1. Hidden Menace
As a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the soil, radon can leak into our homes through cracks in the floor or walls. Radon gas can also enter our homes through the water supply, although radon in the soil poses a greater health risk. Radon is odorless, tasteless and invisible. However, the risks that radon poses to homeowners are real. After smoking, exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer.
2. Double Jeopardy
Smokers who live in a home with high radon levels are at higher risk for lung cancer than non-smokers exposed to radon. In a group of 1000 people exposed to high radon levels, 260 smokers could develop lung cancer, compared to 36 nonsmokers. If you smoke and your home has high levels of radon, you must take steps to reduce your radon levels to less than 2 picoCuries per liter, in addition to your smoking cessation efforts.
3. Radon Risks
Even though radon isn't a topic on most people's minds, this poisonous gas kills more people each year than drunk drivers, drowning or home fires. The risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to radon varies according to the amount of radon and the length of the exposure. It's impossible to avoid radon entirely, as even the air outdoors contains 0.4 picoCuries per liter. If testing reveals that the radon level in your home is 4 picoCuries per liter or greater, you should take steps to reduce your radon exposure.
4. Get the Test
Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. You can choose from a home testing kit, or you can hire a qualified professional to test your home for radon. You can look up your regional Environmental Protection Agency Office for a referral to a radon testing professional. If you buy a home testing kit, you must decide between a long-term test kit or a short term test kit. If you're preparing to sell a home, a short term test kit reveals results within 90 days. A long-term test kit yields the most accurate picture of year-round radon levels.
5. Radon Reduction
No one likes to put a price on health, but you can reduce your risk of developing cancer due to radon exposure for as little as $800. Although radon can enter the home through cracks in the foundation, sealing these cracks isn't a sufficient way to reduce the risk of radon exposure. You can hire a certified radon mitigation contractor, who can reduce your home's radon levels with a specially installed ventilation system. These fans can cause the loss of some of your home's heated or air-conditioned air, so ask the contractor how you can minimize the rise in utility bills.
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