Is Your Family At Risk From Exposure To Radon? What Homeowners Must Know
People often define their home as a comfortable, safe haven for their loved ones. Yet, even in the home, dangers can lurk that are capable of causing serious harm. Radon is an excellent example of a serious danger capable of lurking unseen and undiscovered within the same home that also shelters those who own and occupy it.
Understanding radon and its dangers
One of the reasons that radon is feared is that it is a radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless in nature. If radon is present inside a home, even at very high levels, the occupants will not be able to see, smell or taste its presence, even as it slowly impacts their health. Radon is formed from a mixture of two elements, uranium and radium, that are both harmful to a person's health in their own right. When these two elements are present within the soil where a home has been built, their gradual degradation process allows for the formation of radon gas, which then rises along with warm air to enter the foundation or crawlspace of the home before ultimately making its way into the interior living spaces.
Radon gas is particularly dangerous when inhaled into the lungs because it carries alpha and progeny particles that lodge in the lining of the lung. As these particles continue to degrade inside the lungs, the person becomes increasingly at risk for the development of lung cancer.
Protecting occupants from radon exposure
Families who must deal with the presence of radon gas can take actions to help protect their loved ones from exposure to radon gas in their home. Depending on the level of radon gas circulating, homeowners may be advised to use layers of stone and special barrier products to prevent the gas from rising from the soil and entering the home. Additionally, homeowners may want to locate and seal any cracks or openings in their foundation, slab, or basement or consider installing a special vent system to prevent air from the crawlspace from entering the home.
Determining the existence of radon
The best way to protect your family from exposure to radon gas is to have your home tested by a professional. While home testing kits are available, having a test performed by a qualified professional can offer higher quality test results, along with expert advice on how the test results should be interpreted and what further actions will be needed to protect your family. To find a qualified professional capable of testing your home for the presence of radon gas, contact a reputable pest control service in your area that offers radon testing.
Talk to a local radon inspections service to learn more.