Frequently Asked Questions
What is radon? Where does it come from?
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs from the natural decay of uranium that is found in soil, rock and water. It is typically concentrated in areas with lots of granite, shale, phosphate, and pitchblende.
Why should I be concerned about radon?
Exposure to radon can increase your chances of getting lung cancer. Smoking combined with radon exposure is an especially dangerous health risk.
How does radon affect my health?
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. These particles release bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer.
How does radon enter your home?
Because radon is a gas, it can leak into your house through the basement or crawl space, via adjacent or exposed soil and rock, or through well water. Some building materials such as natural stone or rock can contain and emit radon. Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home’s foundation. Because of this difference in pressure, your home acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings. In the United States radon gas in the soil is the principal source of elevated radon levels in homes.
How do I know if my home has significant concentrations of radon?
You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next to each other can have different indoor radon levels. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon level!!
I have had my home tested and the reading is elevated. What do I do now?
Effective mitigation system standards have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the radon levels in your home. Consult a licensed mitigation professional to design a system for your home.
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