Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the radon level in my house change with age?
Not at all. To be certain, you really need to measure the radon in your home. There are numerous factors that affect a home's radon levels.
Why are the radon levels in my house seem high, while they are low in my neighbor's?
There are many different elements that contribute to the difference in radon levels between homes. The makeup of the soil, the layout of the foundation, and HVAC systems are a few more elements that affect radon buildup.
Does radon have any other health effects?
We can't say for sure. Thus far, radon exposure has not been linked in a positive way to any other malignancies or illnesses. Nonetheless, radon can radiate organs other than the lung because it is absorbed into the body.
Is lung cancer caused by radon lethal?
Yes, for the most part. There is a relatively low survival rate for lung cancer. The best line of defense is avoidance. Avoid breathing in high levels of radon and smoking.
Does my degree of concern about radon really need to be addressed?
Indeed! Radon is the main source of radiation exposure for most humans. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the country's second-leading cause of lung cancer. According to studies, in Colorado, three out of every four households have tests that are higher than the 4.0 pCi/L EPA actionable limit.
What characteristics of radon make it dangerous?
Alpha particles are released into your lungs when radon and its breakdown products are inhaled. These alpha particles have the potential to damage the bronchi's delicate lining. This damages the cells in your lungs and raises your risk of developing cancer linked to radon. The majority of alpha particle radiation is produced by the decay products of radon. But since measuring radon is simpler than measuring the products of its decay, people typically use the amount of radon present in their homes to describe their exposure.
How Can Radon Get Into a House?
A home can get radon through joints, drain pipes, sump pumps, hollow-block walls, pores and fissures in concrete walls and floors, and dirt floors. Rarely are building supplies composed of uranium-containing materials a substantial source of radon in homes.
How can I do a radon test in my house?
You may test your home for radon in two broad ways. One option is a quick test, which you can readily find online, at your neighborhood hardware shop, or by hiring a home inspector in your area. The second approach is a long-term radon test, which can be obtained online and takes anything from ninety days to a full year.
What is meant by pCi/L?
A unit of measurement used to quantify radioactive concentrations is picocuries per liter (pCi/L). One gram of pure radium 226 has an activity of one curie (Ci). The term "pico" in scientific notation refers to 1*10^{'". An additional SI unit that is frequently used to measure radioactive concentrations are Becquerels per meter cubed (Bq/m). One radioactive disintegration every second is equal to one becquerel.
What is considered a safe level of radon?
A response to this question must take into account both your individual risk tolerance and the information below. Your lifetime risk of developing lung cancer due to radon exposure is roughly one in 250 if you lead a normal life, reside in an area with an average of 4 pCi/L of radon, and are either a never-smoker, an ex-smoker, or a smoker. One in a hundred chances three opportunities out of 100 In contrast; compounds found in the food chain are subject to regulations that result in significantly lower hazards. Foods and beverages are typically classified as polluted if they have a 1 in 100,000 lifetime risk of causing cancer.
Is there a way to lessen the risk that comes with radon exposure?
Without a doubt, yes. Frequently, the fix is easy and affordable. Select a licensed radon mitigation contractor to make repairs to your house. Consult the radon office in your state first. Radon specialists need to be registered, qualified, or licensed in several states.
