Just because you can’t see radon doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Anyone can be at risk of exposure to radon. The only way to properly ensure you are protected against this deadly gas is by scheduling a professional radon test and, if detected, executing a plan to remove it.
Though anyone can be harmed by radon, some people are more susceptible to radon exposure than others. Read on to learn more.
Know the Danger Radon Presents
Radon is a radioactive, hazardous gas. As uranium decays, radon occurs naturally in the soil. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer according to the EPA and Surgeon General and it can enter your home through crawl spaces, sump pump basins, wall seams and cracks in concrete. In addition to causing lung cancer, radon exposure is known to cause persistent coughing, chest pain, and other forms of cancer including leukemia.
You will never know if your home has radon unless you test for it.
Miners Are Historically at the Highest Risk
Among occupations, mining presents the highest risk of potential radon exposure. This makes sense due to the proximity to uranium of workers in underground mines. The silver lining is that fewer Americans are employed as miners today than in decades past. Modernized engineering methods also reduce radon exposure thanks to improved ventilation systems. If you are employed in the mining industry, there should be safety procedures in place to avoid radon exposure but it doesn’t hurt to have a discussion about radon with your employer, whether you are in the mining industry or another field.
Smoking and Radon: A Deadly Combination
Ordinary people are already at a heightened risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to radon. When you factor in the combination of smoking and radon exposure, the risk skyrockets. Smokers are estimated to be 25 times more at-risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to radon than non-smokers. Cigarette smoking alone is linked to 80%-90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoke is a toxic mixture of over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. More than 85% of radon-induced lung cancer deaths are among current and former smokers.
At Radon Crew, we keep your family safe by increasing awareness of not only radon’s existence, but its potential deadly effects as well. Don’t put off that radon test; scheduling a test today might just save your life!
Protect Your Home with Radon Crew
Don’t risk it – make sure your home is safe today. Radon Crew is dedicated to making sure your home and its occupants are protected from the dangers of radon. Our team will not only test for radon, but will also install the right system to remove it from your home. We will help you find the best solution for your unique situation: Radon Crew offers a host of testing processes differing in duration, budget, and depth of analysis, depending on your particular needs.
Regardless of the age of your home, radon testing is an urgent matter that should not be taken lightly. Visit our website today to get started and know for sure that you’re safe from radon.