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Radioactive Radon
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Why is radon dangerous?
Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, causing 21,000 deaths per year in the United States.
What is radon?
A radioactive gas, Radon is continually released by the igneous rock that lies under the foundations of 7 million homes in the US. As it rises, it becomes trapped in high concentrations in the basements and first floors of homes. Radon can also find its way into the water supply and can be released through steam inside your home while showering, doing the dishes, or the laundry. The fix is easy— a Radon release tube or Radon-resistant ground covering. But, you have to test your home to know it’s there.
How do I know if my house has a radon problem?
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you have to test for it. There are a few different options:
Short-term Radon test kits are usually used when buying a new home. Over 4 days or so, the kit picks up on the levels present on the lowest floor of your home. Unfortunately, a 2019 study from Canada found that a whopping 99% of short-term tests are inaccurate! This is because Radon levels fluctuate day-to-day, and throughout the year.
90-day tests are much more accurate, and can be used after you’ve moved in to a new house, or if it’s been a few years since you’ve tested.
Continuous radon monitoring shows you how levels change season to season and is the most accurate of the three options for this reason.
Why is radon becoming a more common problem?
As homes are being built with more square footage, and therefore more ground coverage over Radon-containing rock, Radon is becoming an increasingly common problem. And, with the tightly-sealed nature of energy-efficient, climate-controlled homes, Radon has less chance to escape.
Does radon affect pregnant mothers?
Potentially. Some epidemiological evidence shows that exposure during pregnancy is associated with cleft lip and palate in the baby.
Checking your home for radon before pregnancy is a good idea, and some states offer free test kits. Check out the American Lung Association’s page on how to get one.
