Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is a byproduct of decaying radioactive substances such as uranium. Contrary to popular belief uranium can be found din many places around the world in the soil. Radon is a gas that is easily inhaled and is a health hazard. In fact, if left unattended, the long-term inhalation of this gas can cause lung cancer in anyone. IT is a form of radiation, and many people are exposed to it without the slightest inclination.
How does it affect humans?
Despite having a short lifetime due to it being a gas, it has the tendency to accumulate in houses
and buildings for long periods. According to the Environmental Protection Agency of the US, the inhalation of this gas is the second highest cause of lung cancer after smoking tobacco. Many people who work in the mining industry are prone to radon contamination and the subsequent onset of lung cancer.
How does it enter your home?
Since the gas is a naturally occurring process in the soil, it enters through the cracks in your home’s foundation. It can accumulate a lot in places like basements which are closer to the ground and don’t have much ventilation. In fact, the inhalation of this gas and subsequent onset of lung cancer has caused approximately 21,000 deaths in the US alone with almost 3,000 of them being non-smokers.
How to check if your home is contaminated
If you have doubts about your home being contaminated with this radioactive gas, you should get it checked out immediately. There are companies that specialize in testing homes and buildings for this gas. You can find them by doing a quick online search. If the town or city you live in is known for radon gas contamination, there may be a few companies performing these tests. You can contact them and ask them to visit your home and make a thorough inspection. They may not be involved in mitigation and remedial measures so you can be sure that they will give you an honest opinion about the air quality in your home. If it is found to contain radon gas, you should get the problem sorted as soon as possible.