Dubbed a silent yet deadly radioactive gas, the dangers of radon cannot be overstated. Naturally occurring in the soil and rocks underneath a house’s foundation, radon can seep inside but can’t be smelled, tasted or seen. Its odorless, colorless nature means it can become a constant, present risk for occupants inside, unaware of the risk it poses to their health. Breathed in over time, radon is verified as the number two leading cause of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes 21,000 radon lung cancer deaths annually.
Despite such widely accepted, transparent information on the impacts of radon on public health, common myths persist. It’s time to debunk them once and for all.
Myth #1: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.
Many people believe that radon is only a problem in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil, such as the western United States. However, radon can be found in homes all across the country, regardless of where you live.
The EPA publishes a Radon Zone Map, and as you can see, each state in the continental and non-continental U.S. is susceptible to elevated indoor radon levels, from Zone 1 (minor risk) to Zone 3 (major risk). Radon is formed when uranium in the soil decays, and as a result, it can be found in soil, water and air. The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes nationwide has elevated levels of radon.
Myth #2: Radon is not harmful at low levels.
Some people believe that if their radon levels are below the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), they don’t need to worry about the gas — even if they’ve determined this through radon testing. However, this is a dangerous myth.
While it’s true that the risk of radon poisoning and lung cancer increases as radon levels increase, any level of radon can still prove harmful. Even at the lowest level of 2 pCi/L, there is still a one in 500 chance of developing lung cancer from radon exposure, according to the EPA. The higher the radon level, the greater the risk.
Myth #3: Radon testing is expensive and difficult.
Many people are reluctant to test their homes for radon because they believe it is expensive and difficult. However, radon testing is quite simple and affordable. There are a variety of do-it-yourself radon testing kits available for purchase online or at your local hardware store.
But for more thorough testing and guidance, hire a professional. Professional testing is preferred and varies in cost depending on where you live and the size of your home.
Get the Facts About Radon
Even if you can’t see it, radon may be present in your home. With the right testing, detection and mitigation measures in place, radon contamination can be avoided to keep your dwelling and loved ones safe.
Earn peace of mind by getting your house tested by Radon Crew. We can help you decide your radon mitigation choices, an affordable, safe, non-invasive process to reduce radon risk forever. Questions about how Radon Crew can help? Contact us today.