Radon gas can lead to dangerous health implications for anyone who breathes in large volumes of it over long periods of time. But, radon remediation techniques will help reduce radon levels inside properties, making it safe to live again.
However, there is a common question many inquire about. Who are the most at risk from high radon levels at home? Let’s find out.
What is radon gas and why it is dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is harmless when outdoors. It is formed when small amounts of radioactive metals such as Uranium decay in the soil underground. This releases the radon gas which then seeps out of the ground. The gas is harmless outdoors because there is no way for the gas to accumulate in certain areas. It is carried away by the wind and you will only be breathing in trace amounts of it.
However, the gas has the potential of entering into homes and buildings through small openings. This includes cracks in the foundation or drain pipes. It will enter into areas where there is very little ventilation, thus allowing it to build up. Gas is usually in constant motion as well, meaning that it will spread through the house over time. This is especially true if you have an HVAC system installed such as a heating system.
Radon is both colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect with our senses. So without proper testing, you won’t even know that you have a radon problem at home. This is the biggest risk as you are essentially endangering yourself and your family members slowly over time.
We know for certain that radon gas inhalation can lead to lung cancer. This can occur anytime between a period of 5 to 25 years of continued exposure. Each time you breathe in, you are inhaling some of these radioactive particles. These settle on your lung lining and damage the cells, thereby elevating the risk of lung cancer.
Over 20,000 people die in the US every year due to radon-related lung cancer. The sad part about these numbers is that these deaths are easily preventable. Early adoption of radon remediation techniques can save the lives of many people each year!
Radon Remediation: Who are the most at risk?
Radon gas can affect all of us, but there are additional factors that can further increase the risk inside your home.
1. People occupying rooms on lower floors
Radon is quite a dense gas. Due to this reason, the highest concentrations of radon are usually at lower levels. If you have rooms in the house at ground level, there is a high chance that radon will accumulate there. This means that anyone living in those rooms will be exposed to much higher levels of radon gas when compared to the others.
2. People who smoke regularly
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the US. What you might not know is that cigarette smoke can actually hasten the onset of radon-related lung cancer. If you are a regular smoker or are in the presence of someone who smokes, the risk of lung cancer is increased at least tenfold.
3. Children are more at risk than adults
Radon gas affects children as well, but at a greater capacity. The bodies of children are still developing and so the lung size and shape will be different from adults. They also have a faster breathing speed than adults. Due to this, the risk of lung cancer is twice as high for children than adults when exposed to the same level of radon gas. If you smoke in front of your children as well, the risk of lung cancer jumps by over twentyfold.
Radon gas has the potential to completely change your and your family members’ life over a few years. You need to be testing your home for radon regularly and taking precautions through radon remediation methods.
This work requires expertise and experience working with radon. For this purpose, hiring a professional radon inspection company is necessary. Atlantic radon has been providing its services to households for many years. We employ only certified radon technicians to safeguard your homes.
Set up a call with us today to ensure your family’s safety and get a free estimate of the job before you go ahead with the purchase!
