Is radon everywhere?
Radon is present everywhere, and there is no known safe level. Although radon is present outdoors, your greatest risk of exposure is where it can accumulate (indoors) and where you spend most of your time (at home).
Where does radon gas come from in a house?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
What is a radon gas affected area?
What does it actually mean to have a house in a radon affected area? High levels of radon gas are influenced by the underlying geology in the area, as well as other factors including the way in which a building has been constructed and the habits of the occupants – heating and ventilation for example.
Where is radon mostly found in the world?
Radon is present outdoors and indoors. It is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in drinking water from rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as well water.
What types of homes are more likely to have radon?
Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.
Where is radon most likely to accumulate in a home?
basement
About one in every 15 homes is thought to have high levels of radon. The highest concentration of radon tends to be found in the basement or on the first floor.
What causes high radon levels?
Radon is a radioactive gas emitted naturally from the ground. However, when radon gets trapped indoors—after entering a home through joints in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings—it may concentrate at dangerous levels.
What is the biggest health risk associated with radon?
The primary adverse health effect of exposure to increased levels of radon is lung cancer. For lung cancer to develop may take years. For smokers, exposure to elevated radon levels increases their already heightened lung cancer risk.
How do you reduce radon levels in a home?
Other Ways to Reduce Radon
- Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
What type of soil has the most radon?
Granitic type soils present higher levels of radon gas. Non-granitic soils have traditionally been considered to have very low radon levels.