• Where radon comes from
• How it affects your health
• Early warning signs of radon exposure
• How to test for and prevent it

☢️ What Is Radon and Why Is It Harmful?

Radon is a radioactive gas formed naturally when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. It enters buildings through cracks in foundations, walls, floors, or construction joints, especially in basements and lower levels.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is present in nearly all homes, but 1 in 15 U.S. homes has dangerous levels above the recommended action limit of 4 pCi/L.

Health Risks: What Radon Exposure Does to Your Body

Radon breaks down into radioactive particles that can become trapped in your lungs when inhaled. Over time, these particles damage lung tissue and increase the risk of cancer.

Long-Term Symptoms of Radon Exposure:

• Chronic coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Coughing up blood (in advanced cases)
• Increased lung infections

Fact: According to the World Health Organization, radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by 16% for every 100 Bq/m³ of long-term exposure.

Who’s Most at Risk?

• Smokers (10x greater risk)
• Children and elderly individuals
• People with pre-existing respiratory conditions
• Residents in high-risk EPA Zone 1 areas

⚠️ The Problem: Radon Has No Immediate Symptoms

The biggest danger with radon is that you won’t notice it until it’s too late. Unlike carbon monoxide poisoning, radon doesn’t cause dizziness, nausea, or immediate distress. Symptoms often don’t appear until serious health damage has occurred often years later.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

Testing is the only way to detect radon. Thankfully, it’s simple and affordable:

1. Buy a radon test kit at a hardware store or online (usually $10–$30).
2. Place it in the lowest livable level of your home (like a basement).
3. Let it sit undisturbed for 2–7 days.
4. Send the kit to the lab (as directed).

Alternatively, hire a certified radon professional for faster and more detailed results.

Tip: Some local health departments offer free radon testing kits check with yours.

️ How to Reduce Radon Exposure

If your home has elevated radon levels, mitigation is essential. Some of the most effective steps include:

• Sub-slab depressurization: A radon vent pipe and fan draw radon from beneath the home and vent it outside.
• Sealing cracks and openings: Helps limit entry points.
• Improving ventilation: Especially in basements and crawlspaces.
• Radon sump systems: For homes with a basement or underfloor voids.

Professional mitigation can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can radon make you sick immediately?
A: No. Radon exposure builds over time. It doesn’t cause headaches or dizziness like some gases.

Q: Is there a medical test for radon poisoning?
A: No. There’s no clinical test to determine if you’ve been exposed. That’s why home testing is crucial.

Q: Should I test my home even if it’s new?
A: Yes. New homes can still have high radon levels depending on soil conditions and construction type.

Real-World Case: Hidden Danger in Zone 1

In Billerica, MA a known EPA Zone 1 area local inspectors discovered that over 30% of tested homes had radon levels above 4 pCi/L. The homeowners were unaware of any issue until they tested during a basement remodel. Mitigation systems reduced their levels to under 2 pCi/L.

“We had no idea radon was even a thing until our contractor brought it up,” said Julia from New England Radon.

Helpful Resources

• EPA Radon Risk Guide
• WHO: Radon and Health