Radon Gas Testing: Protect Your Family’s Health
November 5th, 2014
Most people know the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States is smoking, but could you name the second leading cause? Radon gas is responsible for approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year. The general public knows very little about this gas, but it may be present in their home and affecting their family.
As a trusted radon gas testing company, Get The Lead Out wants to educate people in the Carolinas and across the country about the dangers that radon gas poses to the health of themselves and their loved ones
What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is cancerous to humans. Unlike many other dangerous gases, radon cannot be seen, has no odor and does not have a taste. Children are believed to be at higher risk for suffering from complications from the gas because of their rapid cell division and higher breathing rate.
Where Does it Come From?
Radon is created through natural processes in rock and soil. The gas develops as a byproduct of the breakdown of uranium. In most cases, radon gas will come from rock and soil, but it can sometimes be found in well water.
Higher levels of radon are usually found in the central, north and northeast areas of the United States, but that does not mean that those in the southeast and southwest are not being exposed to the gas. The EPA recommends that everyone, regardless of location, test their home for radon.
How Does it Get in to Your Home?
Since radon typically comes from soil, it moves through the ground into the air and into your home. Once the gas enters your home, it is trapped inside and can build up to dangerous levels. Any home can have a radon gas problem, even newly built houses.
The most common portals for radon gas entering your home are:
- Cracks in floors
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in floors (the space between wood planks)
- Areas where service pipes enters a new floor
- Spaces inside walls
- Well water
Radon Gas Testing Best Practices
Since radon gas szzhows no symptoms to those exposed, it is recommended that homeowners have accurate tests performed on their property. A test from a professional service is more likely to uncover existing and potential problems than do-it-yourself methods. The levels of radon will be measured by picocuries per liter of air, or “pCi/L. Less than 2 pCi/L is considered safe, between 2 and 4 pCi/L is considered dangerous and more than 4 pCi/L is puts those exposed at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Get The Lead Out has performed radon gas testing services to homeowners across the Carolinas for over 20 years. We will work to find any sources of radon and help to implement a treatment plan. To learn more or to schedule your inspection, please call (704) 376-3594.