You can’t see it, smell it or taste it, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says radon gas is deadly. It’s second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. While smokers are particularly vulnerable, non-smokers aren’t immune. Nearly 3,000 non-smokers die each year from radon-related lung cancer, the EPA estimates. High radon levels occur in homes in every state and in every type and age of home. About one in 15 houses have it. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels.
You can conduct the test yourself with easily available kits, or hire a professional. Short-term testing — two to three days — gives you a snapshot of current conditions. Long-term testing of 90 days or more gives you a year-round average. Both methods are effective, but long-term testing provides a clearer picture of ongoing exposure.
A reading of 4 pCi/L — just 4 “picocuries” per liter — warrants further testing. A “curie” is a unit of measurement for radioactive substances. A picocurie is one-trillionth of a curie. What if radon is there at levels of 4 pCi/L or higher? First, the EPA states that any radon at all can be dangerous, though risk decreases at lower levels. If you’ve got elevated radon levels, a professional radon contractor can help.
Radon is a product of uranium, found in small amounts in nearly all soils. As the uranium naturally decays, it releases radon gas into the outside air, or into homes through openings in the foundations such as cracks. Trapped inside the building, the gas builds up. It can and does happen whether buildings are new or old, drafty or tightly sealed.
Radon contractors have several methods for reducing home radon levels. The “soil suction radon reduction system” is one of the most common. A fan pulls radon gas from under the house and vents it to the outside through pipes and vents. What’s right for your home depends on its design and other factors. Costs also depend on the home’s design, as well as the extent of the problem.
Sealing cracks in floors and walls, improving the ventilation of crawlspaces, and even pressurizing your basement or living space are other options that may be recommended. While these fixes can vary in price, the investment is small compared to the potential health risks of doing nothing.
If you’re buying or selling a home, radon testing is often part of the inspection process—and for good reason. Some states even require disclosure of known radon levels during real estate transactions. For renters, it’s worth asking landlords about any past testing or mitigation steps taken.
Awareness is the first step. Many people still don’t know about radon or underestimate the threat it poses. National Radon Action Month, recognized every January, is aimed at spreading the word and encouraging more people to test their homes. But you don’t have to wait — testing and taking action now could make all the difference for your long-term health and peace of mind.