Every homeowner should consider testing for radon in their home. This could be a big problem for some people and there is no way to tell without a test. Radon gas is odorless and colorless, so it is undetectable by people. The gas is the radioactive by-product of decay from uranium and other radioactive elements. It is a heavy gas, which is one of the reasons it can build up in a home.
The gas escapes from underground deposits over time and will accumulate in homes, especially if they are not well ventilated. Scientists discovered the gas a century ago, but have not studied it much because it is so radioactive. It has only been in the last few decades that radon has been discovered as a problem in homes. Exposure to high levels of the gas has been linked to many cases of lung cancer. It is listed as the second highest cause of lung cancer after cigarettes, since those with excessive radon in their home are breathing the gas. To make the situation worse, the gas also breaks down into other radioactive chemicals, which can find their way into people's lungs. This is a particularly concerning development as lung cancer can be devastating in a short time.
Testing for radon requires special devices and there are two that get most of the attention. The more accurate type of device must be left in place for several months. Choosing to set up the device in the cooler months will help get a more accurate result since the doors and windows will all be closed most of the time. This will help indicate if there is a problem so action can be taken sooner than later. The concentration of the gas could be different throughout the house, making it difficult to get a good reading.
As a heavy gas, it will usually be more concentrated in the lower sections of the home, so setting up radon kits in the lowest area that is commonly occupied is a good choice. Nobody wants to know they have a problem like this with their home. Having a cancer causing element in the home is even less appealing. However, discovering an issue gives the family a chance to find a solution.
The gas escapes from underground deposits over time and will accumulate in homes, especially if they are not well ventilated. Scientists discovered the gas a century ago, but have not studied it much because it is so radioactive. It has only been in the last few decades that radon has been discovered as a problem in homes. Exposure to high levels of the gas has been linked to many cases of lung cancer. It is listed as the second highest cause of lung cancer after cigarettes, since those with excessive radon in their home are breathing the gas. To make the situation worse, the gas also breaks down into other radioactive chemicals, which can find their way into people's lungs. This is a particularly concerning development as lung cancer can be devastating in a short time.
As a heavy gas, it will usually be more concentrated in the lower sections of the home, so setting up radon kits in the lowest area that is commonly occupied is a good choice. Nobody wants to know they have a problem like this with their home. Having a cancer causing element in the home is even less appealing. However, discovering an issue gives the family a chance to find a solution.
