Radon is a naturally occurring gas and almost all the homes contain some level of it. Keeping a home in good condition by yourself doesn’t mean that it will save you from radon and its impacts. Even the homes which are maintained by owners can have higher levels of radon. The concentration level of radon depends on the environmental and structural factors.
What is Radon Concentration?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced when the radioactive metals break down in rocks or soil. The term radon concentration refers to the radon levels in the home. The amount of radon present in a home can be measured in “picocuries per liter of air” (pCi/L).
Can a Higher Concentration of Radon Be Felt in a House?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas. Apparently, it is not possible for a human being to assess the radon levels in a home without radon meters or Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs).
How to Measure Radon Levels in a Home?
There are two types of kits available on the market to measure the radon levels in a home. The short-term kits can measure the radon levels for up to 90 days. At the same time, the long-term kits show average radon levels over a year. These test kits should be placed in the basement or the lowest room of the building to have accurate results. The procedure to use the test kit can be found on its packaging.
What is the Safe Radon Concentration?
Being a radioactive gas, no level of radon can be safe. However, the average level of radon presence indoors is 1.3 pCi/L. On the other hand, the average radon level for outside is 0.4 pCi/L. For homes having radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fixing it. Higher levels of radon are harmful to human health.
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon can be found in all soils. It moves up from the ground. So, it can enter your home from the following ways:
- Construction joints
- Cracks in the floor
- Cracks in Walls
- Gaps around suspended pipes
- Water Supply
What Causes High Levels of Radon?
There can be a few causes for higher radon levels in your home. The causes are as follows:
- Your home is near soil that contains more radioactive metal
- Your home is poorly ventilated
- Your home has been a storage place for fertilizers or products that contain phosphate or uranium
- The windows and doors of your home are tightly sealed or well-insulated
What is the Impact of Radon on Human Health?
There is no doubt that radon is a harmful gas for human beings. Inhaling it for a longer time can lead to lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, up to 14% of lung cancers in a country are caused by radon. While getting affected by the radon, people can have early lung cancer symptoms, which are:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Persistent coughs
- Pain in chest
- Frequent chest infections
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
What Can You Do to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home?
It is better to call a radon expert to inspect your home and suggest the best solution to mitigate radon. However, there are some standard solutions to reduce radon levels in a home:
Soil Suction
In this process, radon can be pulled from underneath the home, resulting in a reduction of its impact in the building.
Home Pressurization
In this process, air is blown to increase pressure. This helps to reduce the amount of radon entering the home.
Sheeting
The plastic sheeting can also be used under a home in the crawl space to cover soil and reduce the amount of radon coming up.
Structural Repair Work
Repair work to fix the cracks in the foundation gaps in the floor and walls can also help to reduce the radon levels in the home.
Conclusion
The presence of higher levels of radon in a home in Maryland is not surprising. Its levels can be measured easily by using the radon test kits. Moreover, there are possible solutions to mitigate the radon in your house. But the very first thing you need to do is get your home inspected to know the radon levels and the actual cause behind this problem. Then, a qualified inspector can suggest the best solution to ensure a safe living environment for your family.
