EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RADON
Do you know what Radon is?
- If you have never heard of radon, it is a naturally occurring gas that can cause lung cancer. It is present in rocks, and dirt beneath homes, as well as some building materials. It can enter the home through soil, the dirt floor in crawl spaces, and cracks in the foundation. The following are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to radon.
- -Get your Home Tested for Radon. Radion is a naturally occurring, colorless radioactive gas. It is caused by the decay of uranium in the earth's rocks and soils. While radon is normally present outdoors at low levels, it can build up inside buildings and cause health problems when exposed for long periods of time. This is why indoor radon mitigation is necessary.
- - A Radon Test is Easy to Do. Most of the time, radon levels in your home are low. Having a radon test done will let you know if your home is high or low. If you are concerned, a professional radon testing company can recommend a plan that will help you reduce the measurable radiated gas in your home. These tests are free and are available from a radon agency or online retailers.
Radon is responsible for over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year
- People who are exposed to radon in their homes are at risk of developing the disease. Exposure to high levels of radon can lead to the development of lung cancer. Its radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs and cause lung diseases. Although radon exposure is not always harmful to humans, children and elderly people are more susceptible to pulmonary cancer.
- Radon is naturally present in the air, and is not toxic. However, it is known to increase the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each and every year in the United States. In addition, radon is a leading cause of death in non-smokers and is the second leading cause of cancer in the U.S.
- According to the World Health Organization, radon is a cause of over fifteen percent of lung cancer deaths worldwide. To combat this problem, the WHO has launched the International Radon Project. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also supports the World Health Organization's International RADON Project. If you're worried about your radon exposure, you can use an online test to get a real-time assessment of your home's toxicity level.
RADON BRINGING HEALTH RISK TO PEOPLE
RADON AND OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS
Radon exposure has been linked to several other health problems besides lung cancer. A study published in 2012 found that pregnant women who were exposed to a high level of radon had higher instances of miscarriage. A similar study from 2008 found a higher incidence of birth defects among the children of mothers exposed to radon during pregnancy. Another study from 2007 found an association between radon exposure and development of Parkinson’s disease later in life. Finally, another study from 2011 linked radon exposure to an increased risk of developing cataracts later in life.
RADIATION EXPOSURE CAN OCCUR NEAR NATURAL SOURCES OR MAN-MADE SOURCES
A person can be exposed to high levels of radiation from natural sources, such as cosmic rays. The doses of these rays depend on the location and habits but can vary from one person to another by hundreds of times. Some people are more exposed to radiation than others, and it is best to limit your exposure by avoiding exposure to man-made sources whenever possible.
Exposure to radiation can occur from a variety of sources. In the United States, the average annual dose is 6.2 millisieverts, or 620 millirems. People are exposed to natural radiation from 60 different radioactive materials that naturally exist in the environment. These include radon, which comes from the rock.
In addition to man-made sources, people are also exposed to natural sources of radiation. While most of the radiation we get from these sources comes from nature, some of the radiation we experience is caused by radioactive materials. In fact, half of the ionizing radiation in the atmosphere comes from natural sources and the other half is from man-made sources. This exposure can damage our cells and cause health issues.
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE FROM RADON POISONING
If you are concerned about radon gas in your home, you must know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Exposure to radon increases with time, and the longer you are exposed to radon, the more you'll suffer. However, there are a few simple things you can do to limit the risk of RADON poisoning.
The first step in making your home safe from radon is to test the air inside your home. There are many kits available that will test your home or office for radon. Some of them measure radon levels for a few days while others require you to leave a measuring device in the room and submit the results to a lab. Alternatively, you can have a professional do the testing for you. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of certified contractors in your area.
Another way to protect yourself from radon poisoning is to test your home for radon levels. This gas is undetectable by the human senses and accumulates slowly over time. You can't wait until you start experiencing symptoms to get tested. But even if you don't feel any symptoms, it's still best to get your home checked out for radon.
Sources:
Haynes, William M., ed. (2011). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (92nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 4.122. ISBN 1439855110
Kusky, Timothy M. (2003). Geological Hazards: A Sourcebook. Greenwood Press. pp. 236–239. ISBN 9781573564694.