Radon gas occurs naturally in the air, water and soil, and in small amounts or with regular background levels it doesn’t cause any damage to our bodies. But when it gathers and builds up inside a building, it can grow to dangerous levels and increase the chance of developing lung cancer with high exposure. These are a few of the most common ways that radon infiltrates a building and how they can be prevented:
1. Water
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that radon can dissolve into groundwater, particularly in areas with certain types of bedrock, and end up in drinking water. One of the main radon solutions to decrease the risk of cancer is to test drinking water for the gas and install a system to get rid of it.
2. Air
Radon can naturally enter the home either through doors, windows, and cracks. The EPA recommends that any home with a reading of four pCi/L or higher (which can be measured with a long-term radon test kit) should fix up their home with radon solutions such as the correct ventilation or an air purification system. You can also hire a service to remove existing radon from the home and bring it down to safe levels with regular appointments.
3. Soil
The soil surrounding a home can become an easy way for radon to enter, particularly if the foundation is weak or damaged. Hiring a mitigation service can install systems that will remove radon before it enters the home and dissipates it into the outside air instead.
While radon can enter a home easily, it can be removed just as easily no matter how much it builds up. Regular checks, tests, and installing a preventative system can keep it consistently at safe levels with no fear of cancer risks.
