Dubbed “the silent killer” because it’s undetectable to the five senses, radon poisoning is responsible for 21,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. It’s found in rock, soil and groundwater, and seeps into homes from the soil through construction joints or cracks in the walls, or through groundwater systems, like well water used for drinking or bathing. And it’s found in 1 in 15 homes in the United States. In this article, we’ll explain more about the dangers of radon, symptoms of exposure, and how to protect yourself and your home.
Radon is an odorless, invisible, cancer-causing gas naturally released into the atmosphere from the radioactive decay of uranium in rocks, soil and water. It’s present all over the world, though at varying levels. It does not discriminate; it’s found in both old and new homes, with slabs or on pier and beam, well-sealed and drafty, and with or without basements–though basements are a common denominator in homes with high levels of radon, and so are raised homes with a dirt ground crawlspace. Usually originating in soil, it seeps in through construction joints, cracks in the walls and floors, gaps around service pipes, and through sump holes or openings, and through groundwater wells. Radon is more likely to be found in higher levels in water from groundwater sources, such as private wells or public water systems that use groundwater. (Most public water systems, however, source their water from surface water, like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, according to the CDC.)
When breathed in, radon’s radioactive particles get trapped in the lungs; extended exposure is known to cause lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 annual lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, and more than 13% of those deaths occur in people who haven ever smoked. In other words, smoking significantly increases the risk of death from radon exposure, reports the EPA.
Some of the less severe signs and symptoms of radon poisoning–like a persistent cough, wheezing, or hoarseness–may even be dismissed as seasonal allergies. However, radon exposure can progress beyond these mild symptoms, leading to more severe and alarming health issues, such as coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. And because radon’s effects aren’t immediate, but build up over time, the only way to prevent exposure is to test for it–because once you can’t ignore the symptoms, it might be too late.
High radon levels have been discovered in every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada, and can vary wildly from home to home, even from your house to your next door neighbor’s. The EPA’s Radon Map displays the threat level by state, but don’t let a yellow zone stop you from taking further action. “There is no known safe level of radon,” according to the CDC.
While radon is a serious health issue, the good news is that remediation is easy and cost-effective. There are two types of tests available: short-term, most of which take between 2 and 7 days, and long-term, which remain in your home for 90 or more days. If it’s your first time testing, or you haven’t tested in over two years, a short-term test is the recommended option.The EPA also recommends testing after major home renovations.
There are three means of testing: DIY kits, mail-off kits, or hiring a professional. DIY test kits are available for as little as $8 on Amazon, and there are a number of relatively in expensive continuous monitoring systems available as well–just make sure to review the recommended acceptable levels paragraph below. Here is a link to purchase a radon testing kit.
Kansas State University, in partnership with the EPA, provides national radon services, including selling test kits to be mailed back and reviewed in their lab, and answering radon hotline calls at 1-800-SOS-RADON. The cost of mail-away test kits is around $17, and includes analysis.
If these options reveal higher than acceptable radon levels, you may want to contact a professional. To do so, consult your state’s radon program. Radon measurement professionals undergo a rigorous licensing process, and use tools that guarantee precision and provide detailed, same-day results and guidance on mitigation if needed.
The amount of radon in the air is measured in "picocuries of radon per liter of air," or "pCi/l."EPA recommends taking action to remediate a home if the results of one long-term test or the average of two short-term tests, taken in the lowest lived-in level of the home (either the basement or first story), show radon levels of 4 pCi/lor higher. For further information, review the chart provided by Kansas State University.
There are simple steps you can take to prevent and mitigate radon gas exposure. While testing and monitoring are essential, some solutions are completely free or DIY-friendly. Professional fixes, when needed, are often comparable in cost to other common household repairs, such as painting a room or replacing a hot water heater.
The simplest temporary solution is increasing ventilation in and under your home. Though it may sound counterproductive (isn’t all the radon outside??), radon’s harmful effects occur when it’s concentrated in one area. Open the windows, doors and vents on lower levels to mix indoor air with outdoor. If you have a basement, seal all visible cracks in the walls, floor and the slab of the perimeter with a polyurethane caulk. If you have a crawlspace, look into installing a vapor barrier on the ground and spray foam insulation, which you can read more about here, but make absolutely sure you or your contractor know what you’re doing so you don’t void any warranties or cause floors to buckle.
Taking action to prevent exposure to a silent carcinogen that could be affecting your and your loved ones’ life expectancy is easy and inexpensive. Begin by testing your home for radon, as this is the only way to detect its presence—radon is odorless, colorless, and invisible, and its effects aren’t immediate. You can use a DIY test kit or hire a certified radon professional for more accurate results. If radon levels are elevated, ensure proper ventilation in your basement or crawl spaces, seal cracks in floors and walls, and consider installing a radon mitigation system. Regularly test your home, even if you’ve previously addressed radon, as levels can fluctuate over time. For long-term peace of mind, consult a licensed radon professional to assess and recommend solutions tailored to your home. Taking these steps can significantly reduce radon risks and create a safer living environment.
If testing has revealed high levels of radon, it’s best to turn it over to a licensed professional to have a radon mitigation system installed. These systems involve running PVC pipe through your home, drilling holes in your basement and roof, and installing a fan. The fan creates suction to draw air out of the soil and push it above the house, thus removing the harmful gases before they reach your lungs. With today's technology, radon levels in most homes can be reduced to 2pCi/l or below.
Now that you’re educated on the dangers and the myths of radon exposure, it’s up to you to take proactive steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
National Safety Council’s Radon Prevention page
National Radon Defense, with links to EPA’s map and other resources
Kansas State University’s services, and state radon offices
The CDC’s Radon Awareness Week information
