How Radon Testing Can Prevent Long-Term Health Issues

Radon is one of those invisible threats most homeowners don’t think about, but they should. Unlike mold or carbon monoxide, radon doesn’t smell or cause any immediate symptoms, and it won’t set off any alarms. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, slowly building up over time and increasing the risk of lung cancer. This is where routine radon testing becomes essential.

As a radon testing and mitigation specialist, I know there’s a lot of information you should know in order to keep your family safe from long-term health issues. In this article, we’ll go over some of them: 

• What is radon?
• The health risks associated with radon exposure
• Why radon testing is essential for every home
• Types of radon tests
• How to reduce high radon levels in your home
• Radon testing and prevention

The good news is that radon exposure is completely preventable. With radon testing and mitigation, you can keep your home safe and protect your family’s health. Let’s talk about it!

What Is Radon? 

Radon, an odorless, invisible gas, occurs when uranium in the soil and rock breaks down. Since uranium is in most types of soil, radon is everywhere, including in Connecticut. It’s not really an issue when it’s outdoors; the problem starts when it gets trapped inside your home.

This gas sneaks in through cracks in foundations, floors, and walls, as well as gaps around pipes and sump pumps. If you have a well, radon can also get in through your water supply. Since you cannot see or smell it, the only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test for it. 

The Health Risks Associated with Radon Exposure

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer among non-smokers, and it causes about 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year. When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles get trapped in your lungs, damaging the tissue over time. The longer you are exposed, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer.

Certain groups of people are at an even greater risk. Smokers who are exposed to radon have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. Children and the elderly are also more vulnerable because their lungs are more sensitive. Since radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, people can live in high-radon environments for years without realizing the danger. This is why testing is so important.

Why Radon Testing Is Essential for Every Home

The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test for it. Since radon is colorless and odorless, you won’t know it is there unless you check. Any home, whether old or new, can have high radon levels.

Testing is especially important in certain situations:

• Buying or selling a home: A standard home inspection doesn’t usually include radon testing, but many buyers request it. Sellers can also test their homes ahead of time to deal with any issues before listing the property.
• After renovations or foundation repairs: Major structural changes can alter how radon enters your home. If you’ve had work done on your foundation, basement, or crawl space, it’s a good idea to test again.
• If you live in a high-radon area: Some areas naturally have higher radon levels. If you live in one of these places, testing regularly is the best way to stay safe.

Regular radon testing gives you peace of mind and helps prevent serious health problems down the road. If high levels are found, mitigation systems can reduce radon to safe levels, protecting your home and your loved ones.

Types of Radon Tests

Radon testing is simple and affordable, and there are a few different options depending on how quickly you need results.

• Short-term radon tests (2-7 days): These are great for getting a quick snapshot of your home’s radon levels, and you can pick up a test at any home improvement store. They usually involve a small device or charcoal canister that absorbs radon over a few days. Once the test is complete, you send it to a lab for analysis. Short-term tests are useful if you are buying or selling a home or just want a basic idea of your radon levels.
• Long-term radon tests (more than 90 days): These tests provide a more accurate reading by measuring radon levels over several months. Because radon levels can fluctuate due to weather and seasonal changes, long-term tests give the most reliable results.
• DIY vs. professional radon testing: You can buy a DIY radon test kit at most hardware stores or online, and they are usually pretty easy to use. However, if you want the most accurate results or need help interpreting them, hiring a professional radon tester is a good option.

Whichever method you choose, following the instructions carefully is key to getting an accurate reading.

How to Reduce High Radon Levels in Your Home

If you test your home and find that radon levels are high, do not panic. There are several ways to reduce exposure and make your home safer.

• Improve ventilation: Opening windows and using fans can help disperse radon gas, especially in basements.
• Seal foundation cracks and gaps: Radon enters homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors. Sealing these gaps can help reduce radon infiltration.
• Install a radon mitigation system: The most effective solution for high radon levels is a radon mitigation system. The most common method is sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon out of your home before it can accumulate.

The cost of radon mitigation varies, but it may cost a few thousand dollars or more. While this might seem like a large investment, it’s worth it for the long-term health and safety of your family.

Radon Testing and Prevention

Protecting your home from radon is easier than you might think. A little effort now can save you from serious health risks in the future.

• Test your home regularly: Radon levels can change over time, so test at least every two years.
• Take action if needed: If high levels are detected, do not wait to install a mitigation system.
• Encourage others to test: Spread the word to friends and family. The more people who test their homes, the more lives can be saved.

Radon exposure is preventable, but only if you take the right steps. Testing is simple, and solutions are available if levels are too high. By making radon testing a priority, you are protecting your health and your future.

Conclusion

Radon is a silent but serious threat that can put your health at risk without you even knowing it. Since it is invisible and odorless, the only way to detect it is through radon testing. The good news is that reducing radon exposure is entirely possible. Take the time to test your home, and if needed, invest in mitigation measures. A simple test today could make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe.