Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is dangerous to your health. If you have not had your home tested for radon recently, schedule an appointment to do so.
Have Your Home Tested for Radon
The only way to detect radon in your home is through a radon test. Since a home is an enclosed environment, the concentration of radon can increase over time and reach unsafe levels.
1. Cancer-Causing
Exposure to radon gas is a significant health concern. Radon is carcinogenic and is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarettes. Without radon testing, it is impossible to know if this gas is present in your home.
2. How Radon Enters the Home
Radon is produced naturally through the decomposition of uranium. The gas gradually makes its way to the surface and escapes into the air. Radon enters homes through cracks in the walls or foundation. When homes are constructed, the pressure of the foundation pushes gases in the soil upward. Radon gas is sometimes forced into a home because of this pressure.
3. Unable to Escape
When radon gas enters the home, it becomes trapped inside if the home is well-sealed. In fact, newer homes or homes that have been remodeled with energy-efficient features are more likely to have higher levels of this dangerous gas.
Radon continues to accumulate in the home because it has nowhere to go. Higher levels of this gas increase the health risks associated with exposure.
4. Odorless and Clear
Radon gas is impossible to detect without a test because it is clear, odorless, and tasteless. Through professional testing, you can determine the radon level in your home. While trace amounts are common, higher levels require immediate attention.
A radon test may reveal that mitigation steps are needed. Mitigation reduces the level of radon in the home and creates a healthier environment. Test regularly to monitor the radon levels and ensure that the gas does not return and endanger your family.
Sunrise Home Inspection provides radon testing and other home inspection services to Eastern Connecticut and Western Rhode Island. Contact us to request an appointment.