What Is Radon? A Complete Guide to Understanding and Testing for Radon in Your Home

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment and is responsible for causing lung cancer in nonsmokers. It can enter your home through cracks and other openings in the foundation, and its presence is not always noticeable without a professional test. In this blog post, we'll explore what radon is, how it can be harmful to your health, and what steps you can take to test for and mitigate its levels in your home.

1: What is Radon?

• Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in nearly all soils.

• It can enter your home through cracks and other openings in the foundation, where it can become trapped and build up.

• High levels of radon have been detected in homes in all 100 North Carolina counties.

• New construction homes could also have radon, so it's essential to test for it before purchasing any home.

2: Why is Radon Dangerous?

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

• Exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer, even in individuals who have never smoked.

• The risk of developing lung cancer increases with prolonged exposure to high levels of radon.

3: How to Test for Radon

• Testing for radon is relatively easy and inexpensive, and it's recommended that you do so before purchasing or selling your home.

• Professional radon testing can range from $100 to $250, depending on your location.

• A radon detector is left in your home for at least 48 hours to test the levels of radon.

• If the test shows a radon level of 4 picocuries per liter or higher, you'll want to take steps to reduce it.

4: Radon Mitigation

• If high levels of radon are detected, it's essential to install a radon mitigation system.

• The system draws the radon from beneath the foundation and exhausts it outside of the building, far enough away from windows and other openings that it will not re-enter.

• The cost of a radon mitigation system will vary, but it should cost less than $2,500.

• More information on radon mitigation can be found in the EPA's Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.

Radon is a dangerous gas that can cause lung cancer in nonsmokers, and it's essential to test for it before purchasing or selling your home. If high levels are detected, a radon mitigation system must be installed to reduce the levels. Testing and mitigating radon levels in your home is relatively easy and inexpensive, and it's a crucial step in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.