Author Archives: radonresources

Do House Plants Remove Radon in the Air?

House plants do more than enhancing your home’s aesthetics. Many indoor plants can help purify the air, which helps in improving air quality. However, it is essential not to rely solely on plants because they cannot make the air safe at all times. This leads to the question, do house plants remove radon?

Why Radon Mitigation is A Must

Radon has caused thousands to millions of deaths worldwide. Though it doesn’t kill a person right away, long-term exposure to this cancer-causing gas results in damaged lung cells. It can also lead to severe health conditions; no wonder many health groups and organizations create campaigns to raise awareness about it. Unfortunately, some people overlook the significance of radon mitigation.

But what is radon mitigation? How can it help you minimize your risk of lung cancer?

Radon mitigation is the process of installing a system that is designed to reduce radon concentrations. It can be installed at home, school, workplace, or any building with high radon levels. When you minimize radon concentrations, you also reduce your risk of lung cancer since radon is a cancer-causing gas. You may refer to standard radon reduction systems first, but they are only effective within 24 hours.

Radon and House Plants

Probably you’ve seen in many articles featuring how houseplants can improve your home’s air quality. It is indeed true that houseplants can reduce indoor air pollutants. The problem is that it happens over time, so you have to wait for a certain period before enjoying healthier indoor air. 

According to an article from Science in the News, a Graduate Student Group at the Harvard Graduate School of the Arts and Sciences, indoor air is replaced by air from outside faster than a plant removing air pollutants from a room. Therefore, it may take a long time before you can purify your home using indoor plants. And if there are high radon levels, you’re still at risk of exposing yourself to the cancer-causing gas. 

Creating A Radon-Resistant Home

Radon is dangerous, and if you let it stay in your home, you and your family will be at risk of getting lung cancer. If you don’t want it to happen, what you need to do is make your home radon-resistant. When considering radon mitigation, it is essential to conduct radon testing first. You can either do short-term or long-term radon testing. Both can help you identify the existence of the gas, but the latter is ideal for monitoring radon levels.

Once the results of the radon tests show your home has high radon levels, you may conduct radon mitigation techniques. But it would be best to hire a licensed radon contractor from your state and entrust all the work to them. Though you have to pay for the contractor’s fees, you are guaranteed professional services. 

Radon is an invisible enemy since you cannot see or smell it. Though it is challenging to ensure that your family is safe from this cancer-causing gas, there are still ways to mitigate it. If you are thinking of adding indoor plants, ask yourself first, do house plants remove radon? Are they that effective? If you want to reduce radon, it’s better to hire a radon contractor.

Where is Radon Commonly Found?

The World Health Organization has reported thousands of deaths caused by lung cancer. But it is not only smoking that causes lung cancer in people. In the United States, WHO said that radon is the second-leading cause of the disease; that’s why health and environmental agencies are doing their best to promote awareness on radon mitigation. One helpful step in radon reduction is identifying where cancer-causing gas comes from. In this article, learn some radon facts, including what areas in your home are radon prevalent and what you need to do to eradicate them.

The Discovery of Radon

Radon is one of the gases that contain a highly radioactive element. It was discovered by Ernest Rutherford, an English physicist, in 1899. However, the discovery of radon is also credited to Friedrich Ernst Dorn, a German physicist. It is essential to know that it was Rutherford who discovered radon’s alpha radiation. Meanwhile, it was Dorn who found that radium was releasing a gas.

Radon Facts: How Dangerous is Radon?

Radon is extremely dangerous because it can cause lung cancer which can lead to death. Together with the Surgeon General’s Office, the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year and all of these were caused by radon. No wonder this radioactive material is recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer. The problem is that some people overlook how dangerous radon is; that’s why they don’t consider mitigating it.

It is estimated that one in every three homes checked in seven states and three Indian lands had screening levels over four pCi/L. According to the EPA report, four pCi/L is the agency’s recommended action level for radon exposure, but some homes exceed this radon level. Suppose your home has radon levels of four pCi/L, you will be exposed to approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow.

Although radon doesn’t kill people right away, it affects your lungs as time passes by. It brings approximately 1000 times the risk of death as any other EPA carcinogen. You will become more prone to lung cancer if you are exposed to radon every day. And if you are a smoker, your chances of acquiring the disease become higher. Remember that four pCi/L is EPA’s action guideline level. Though there is an action level, there is no safe level for radon; that’s why installing radon mitigation to your home is highly recommended.

Where is Radon Commonly Found?

Radon mitigation is an important step to eradicate the cancer-causing gas. One of the first steps you need to do is identify where it is possible through radon testing. You can test the common areas where radon usually occurs to save money or check every site in your home. Either way, you’ll need to install a radon mitigation system once your home has tested positive for radon.

If you think a particular area in your home has radon, you can confirm it through radon testing. There are DIY test kits that you can use, or you may also hire a licensed radon contractor to do it. Whichever you prefer, here are the places that are prone to radon:

  • Brick and mortar
  • Cavities inside walls
  • Cinder block walls
  • Concrete floors
  • Construction joints
  • Cracks in solid floors
  • Cracks in walls
  • Gaps around service pipes
  • Gaps in suspended floors
  • Gas appliances
  • Gravel for heat sumps
  • Sheetrock
  • Stone products

Some homeowners overlook the significance of radon mitigation. It’s because they lack awareness of the adverse effects that this radioactive material could bring. People need to check the basic radon facts and see how dangerous it can be. Understanding what radon is and what it can do can help people learn the significance of radon mitigation.

10 States With the Lowest Radon Levels

When renting or buying a home, one thing that most homeowners consider is the safety of the family. Usually, they think of the neighborhood as well as the security features of the house. As homeowners, you also need to consider the indoors because certain things may pose dangers to your family’s health, including radon. If you are planning to relocate, you may consider the American states with the lowest radon levels.

Understanding Radon Levels

Before discovering which states have low radon levels, it is essential to understand what radon level is, how it is measured, and what is considered safe. First and foremost, have a background of what radon is.

As most of you already know, radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause cancer. It is detected through the process of radon testing. Short-term tests are conducted to identify the existence of this gas. Meanwhile, long-term tests are recommended for continuous monitoring of radon levels. 

Radon in houses varies because this gas fluctuates. Meaning, even if it is high today, it can be low tomorrow or in other months. That’s why long-term radon testing is necessary because it can help you assess whether you need to install radon mitigation right away.

What is Radon Level Considered Safe?

If you wonder what radon level is considered safe, the best answer is to have no radon. Though it may seem impossible to have a radon-resistant home, there are different ways to lower the level little by little. All you need to do is conduct the right tests and hire a licensed radon contractor to install the proper mitigation system. For homes that cannot achieve zero levels, acceptable radon levels pose lower risks of lung cancer.

Did you know that outside your home, the radon levels in the air could be as high as 0.75 pCi/L? It exceeds the national average of outside radon levels, which is 0.4 pCi/L. If you are exposed to this, especially for a long time, your risk of lung cancer increases. If your home exceeds that national average, it’s time to call a radon contractor from your state.

States With Lowest Radon Levels

Are you planning to move to a new house? If you are still searching for a place to go, here are some states to consider:

  • Hawaii (0)
  • Louisiana (1.1)
  • Mississippi (1.2) 
  • Florida(1.8)
  • Arizona (1.9)
  • Texas (2.1)
  • California (2.3)
  • Georgia (2.3)
  • Delaware (2.4)
  • South Carolina (2.4)

Of all the American states, Hawaii topped the list in the states with the lowest radon levels. It is followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Arizona, which go the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th rankings.

Some homeowners overlook the significance of ensuring a radon-resistant home. Radon may not sound like a serious problem, but the daggers it could bring can threaten human lives. So if you want your family to be safe, make sure to consider radon mitigation to achieve a radon-resistant home.

Does Radon Come From Building Materials?

There are reports of people getting exposed to radon while they are inside their homes. Along with this, many have speculated about how it enters their homes and workplaces. Does it come from building materials?

Does Radon Come From Building Materials?

In times like this, you need to check your radon facts to avoid getting scared of nothing. Radon affects your health, and it is just right to get concerned whether you are living in a house or working in a safe office. The same thing goes with your houses. 

Before a building is constructed, it needs to secure enough documents to make sure that it is risk-free for people using it. It needs to have a good foundation that will hold up the structure for years. Also, it needs to undergo a fire safety inspection.

In addition, you may need a radon test after construction. The reason why is because radon may get trapped inside. How does it get trapped? Is it because of the building materials?

Building Materials That May Emit Radon

Radon may indeed be released indoors through materials used in the building. However, it still depends on the composition. Materials with radium content are most likely the ones releasing it. Once radium decays, it produces radioactive gas. Some of these items that may contain radium that has radon gas are the following.

Granite

You can find this material as flooring or countertops in the kitchen. They are stunning pieces, which is why people tend to use them in their houses.

Concrete

It is one of the essential things in construction. Its strength is perfect for building the foundation that will support the structure.

Gypsum Board

It is often used in ceilings and walls. It controls the sound in the room, and it is fire-resistant.

Bricks

Bricks do have their character. A house can be made just by using bricks. Still, it can serve as decorations. It can be used in the garden and pavements.

Field Stone

They are usually seen in the exterior walls. Yet, designers include them in the interior aesthetics as well.

Although these materials exhale radon, it is not the amount that is harmful. It may only contribute to the radon levels inside. This is one of the radon facts not many people know of. Most of it still comes out from the soil where the structure is situated. Here are some ways on how it can enter the structure.

  • Radon can travel through cracks on floors and walls.
  • Another passage for the radioactive gas is the gaps between cables and water pipes.
  • If you are using groundwater, there are chances that the water may contain radon. This is also a way for the radon to get in your body by ingestion.

How to Get Rid of Radon

You do not need to contact a radon professional right away. You can do a radon test by using home radon test kits. Differences in radon level can be observed among different parts of the building and even neighboring ones. The length of the test varies from 48 hours to 90 days. It will be nice to include the radon test in your house maintenance which can be done every two years.

Once the results are out and the radon level in your house or building is confirmed, you need a professional to do the remaining work. Most commonly, they install a ventilation system that sends the radon out of the building. They can also have treatments for your water.

Radon cannot be eliminated because it is part of nature. It is not something to be afraid of. Instead, it is something that can be worked on. List down on your radon facts that building materials only emit a subtle amount of radon. You do not need to avoid these materials in building your office or your dream house.

Radon and Drinking Water: What You Need to Know

Water is one of the things that is needed to run a household. The pressure and safety of it should be considered when moving into a new house or apartment. Having radon and drinking water together is not a pleasant condition to be in. The people living with you can get sick, and the complications may result in death.

Although the amount of radon in the air that comes from drinking water is only one to two percent, it is much better to be well informed. Here are the things you need to know when dealing with this kind of situation.

What are the Water Sources?

Water can contain radon depending on where it is derived. It can be from surface water or groundwater. Households get their water from either of the two water sources.

Groundwater

This refers to wells and springs. The radon from the soil can dissolve into the water. Yet, not all of the water that comes from this source contains radon. It comes from underground, which is why it is more vulnerable to radon.

Surface Water

Compared to groundwater, surface water does not pose any threat from radon. This is because the radon is already released into the air by the time the water reaches your home. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are examples of it.

Please note that not connecting to a local water supplier does not mean that you are using surface water. You need to know what their water source is. They can still get water from underground. However, most water suppliers have certificates regarding safety. This includes a radon test. Still, you can contact them if you have doubts.

How Does Radon From Drinking Water Enter the Body?

There are two ways how radon from water can enter your body. They are through inhalation and ingestion.

Inhalation

People may get confused about how radon from water can be inhaled. First, radon is gas in nature. Therefore, it moves freely in the air. Just like how the radon seeps out from the soil, it also escapes the water. When water is being used in household chores like showering and washing the dishes, that is the time when it is being released in the air.

Ingestion

Radon can be consumed at the same time as you drink water. Though some radon is being emitted in the air, some of it stays in the water.

Among these two, more health concerns arise when it is being inhaled. Once you breathe it in, it can damage lung tissues that can lead to lung cancer. This situation is more common than internal organ cancers such as stomach cancer that may happen when swallowed. 

How to Remove Radon From Water?

After knowing the radon level, the next thing to do is to have the water treated. There are two ways to get rid of it. You can choose from GAC filters and aeration devices. 

GAC Filters

It uses granular activated carbon (GAC) to filter out the radon from the water. High radon levels can be found on these filters after use. Make sure to handle and dispose of it properly.

Aeration Devices

In this method, the water is mixed with air through bubbling. It helps the radon to be separated from the water and get sent out through an exhaust.

These methods are both done at the main entry point of the water. It needs to be treated before it reaches the faucets and showerhead. Having the process done at the end of use will only remove a small amount and may not be as effective.

It is said that people can live without food but not water. It is essential to one’s daily life. One way to stay in good shape is to keep hydrated. Water is best consumed with vitamins and minerals. However, radon and drinking water are not the best combinations. Let it not be the reason for you to be unhealthy.

Do Ceiling Fans Reduce Radon?

Radon mitigation is the process of reducing radon in your home. It is highly recommended to mitigate the said gas because radon exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer. There are several ways to reduce radon, such as using DIY techniques and hiring a licensed radon contractor to install a radon mitigation system in your house. But since hiring a radon contractor could be pretty expensive for those on a tight budget, some prefer adding ceiling fans. The question is, do ceiling fans reduce radon?

Radon Mitigation: Do Ceiling Fans Reduce Radon?

Probably some of you wonder how ceiling fans work. Using fans can be referred to as forced ventilation. If you use big fans, you can replace the radon-laden indoor air with outdoor air. Not only that, but it can also neutralize pressure and maintain the desired air exchange rate independent of weather conditions.

How much does forced ventilation cost?

The cost of using fans for radon mitigation depends on several factors. Some of the factors that can affect the price include elaborate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. If you use any of these, the cost can range from $25 to $1,000.  It is essential to understand that the additional cost of electricity for forced-air systems may vary depending on the following:

  • size of the fans
  • number of fans used
  • amount of use

Take note that using fans throughout cold weather will significantly increase your heating costs. Therefore, your annual house heating bill could grow three times greater than normal. Suppose you have an air conditioner running in hot weather; your cooling costs will be higher.

Who should use fans for radon mitigation?

It would be best for those living in “tight” houses (homes with low air exchange rates) to use fans because they will benefit more from ventilation. For a typical house, you might need a 500 to 1,000 cfm (cubic feet per minute) fan to achieve a 90-percent reduction of radon. Like natural ventilation, using fans can be employed in most houses. However, the trade-off in decreased comfort and excessive heating and cooling costs may prove unacceptable.

As mentioned earlier, you have different options for radon mitigation. But it is essential to identify the pros and cons of each method before you choose one. Remember, there could be some cheaper options for radon reduction techniques, but they might not be ideal for your home. So if you want to ensure that our home is radon-free, ask for some advice from a professional radon contractor to know which method is best for your home. Do ceiling fans reduce radon? Yes, it can help in radon mitigation. But is it ideal for your home? If yes, then you may consider adding fans to your home.

radon_questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon

If you are a new resident in the United States, probably, you haven’t heard about radon issues in homes. Although radon can be found anywhere, this radioactive gas is rampant in the US. According to the World Health Organization, radon is the second-leading cause of cancer, next to smoking. As such, you need to learn the radon reduction technique that you can install in your home to avoid radon exposure. If you lack knowledge about the cancer-causing gas, listed below are the frequently asked questions about radon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon, Radon Testing, and More!

The following are the basic things you need to learn about radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation:

What is radon?

Radon is a kind of radioactive gas. It forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater. You can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing it in the air. Radon enters your home through the cracks and gaps; that’s why it is crucial to make your home radon-free to avoid being exposed to this cancer-causing gas.

Where does it come from?

Radon-222 is considered the decay product of radium-226. Together with its parent, radium-226, they are both part of the long decay chain for uranium-238. Uranium can be seen everywhere, so expect radium-226 and radon-222 to be present in almost all rock, soil, and water. Although the amount of radon varies from house to house, it is essential to ensure that your home is radon-free. 

Since radon fluctuates, you’ll never know when radon is high or low. This gas can range from a few hundred to several thousand pCi/L (picocuries per liter) in air. Several factors can cause radon fluctuation, including weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, and the suction within the house.

How does radon get into your home?

Usually, radon moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home. As mentioned, it enters your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. When your home traps radon inside, this gas can build up over the years. One of the frequently asked questions about radon is if any home can have a radon problem. The answer is yes, including new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Should you test your home for radon?

Some homeowners overlook the importance of radon testing. It is essential to understand that radon testing is a must because it helps you identify whether radon is present or not in your home. There are two types of radon testing; short-term and long-term. 

Short-term tests are done first to check the presence of the cancer-causing gas. But it should not stop there. Long-term radon testing should be considered to determine the radon levels in your home. Once you find out that radon is consistently high, radon mitigation is a must.

How much can radon mitigation cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions about radon is how much does the mitigation cost. The cost of installing a radon mitigation system varies depending on several factors. Some people find it expensive while others believe radon mitigation has a reasonable price considering the installation and contractors’ fee. If you want a cheaper option, you may opt for simple techniques or DIY radon mitigation. But if you’re going to ensure that radon mitigation is installed correctly, hiring licensed contractors is highly recommended.

Radon is a dangerous gas; unfortunately, not many people are aware of it. If you know someone clueless about the adverse effects of radon, it’s time to teach your loved ones about what radon is and what you can do to avoid it. Take time to read the frequently asked questions about radon to learn more about this radioactive gas.

Radon Reduction: How to Get Radon Out of Your House

Since radon is in the form of gas, it can quickly enter your home through your house’s foundation. It can also pass through the cracks and sealings of your home. Therefore, you need to think of the most effective ways to prevent radon entry. There are simple radon reduction techniques that you can follow, but if the radon level in your home is too high, it would be best to call for radon experts’ advice.

It All Starts With Radon Testing

Whether you think your home has radon or not, it is still recommended to conduct radon testing. Why? If you believe your home is radon-free, you can use radon testing to prove it. With the test results, you can identify the presence of the said radioactive material. If you think your house has radon, you can check its level, thus helping you address the issue through the proper radon reduction techniques. 

Radon testing has two types, short-term and long-term. It would be best to do both since each of them has its purpose. The first one is to identify the presence of radon in your home, while the latter is to monitor the gas level continuously. Since radon fluctuates, you cannot tell when the radon level is high; that is why long-term testing is vital.

5 Radon Reduction Techniques to Try at Home

If the result of radon test tells you that your home is positive for the radioactive gas, then it’s time to try the following techniques at home. Some of these can be done by yourself, while others require professional assistance.

Install special traps in the basement floor drains.

If you place traps in the basement floor drains, you can prevent the water from draining from entering the basement. This technique is also known as a backflow restrictor or a one-way valve.

Seal the tops of concrete blocks.

Concrete block walls or CMUs refers to the hollow which provides an open path from the ground/footing to the ceiling or roof system. It is vital to seal these tops using concrete to reduce radon. Know that doing so could be challenging, but you can stuff the open section with newspaper as a stopper, down about 3 inches from the top and filled with concrete to seal them off.

Hire a licensed radon contractor.

You can find DIY radon reduction techniques which apply to your home. But if a professional advise you to install a mitigation system that requires professional assistance, make sure to hire a licensed radon contractor. This way, you can ensure that the mitigation system will be installed properly.

Install a sealed cover over your sump pump.

Some homeowners often observe that the sump pump has two entry points. This includes one from the footing drain, and the other one is under the slab drain. Both of these areas can collect radon gases from the ground, so make sure to cover the sealing lid used to seal around the exit pipe.

Seal all cracks in your basement.

Radon is usually high in the basement because this gas can be found in soil. To get rid of this gas, you need to seal the cracks along the basement perimeter walls. Also, consider the following areas:

  • around posts through concrete
  • chimney
  • cracks in the concrete floor
  • floor drain
  • main electrical entry point
  • main plumbing pipe entry point
  • sump pump cover

Radon is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. That’s why the World Health Organization, together with other health and environmental groups, encourage everyone to make each home radon-free. This is possible through radon reduction techniques which homeowners can do. If you need any help, you can contact the radon expert from your state.

Is Radon An Indoor Air Pollutant?

As the world progresses through modern technology, more and more environmental problems occur. Among the adverse effects that you can see nowadays is air pollution. Smokes from burning materials and factories are some of the outdoor pollutants. But have you ever heard of indoor air pollutants? Is radon one of them?

Radon: The Silent Indoor Air Pollutant

Probably you have heard the term radon so many times. But can you recall what it is? Why is it considered a dangerous gas? Does it cause poisoning to humans?

If you try to remember, radon is a colorless and odorless gas. You cannot tell if you are exposed to it because you cannot see it with the naked eye. This is why you need to conduct radon testing if you want to ensure a radon-resistant home. Through the process, you can tell if your home has high radon levels.

Radon can quickly enter through the cracks and openings in your home, particularly in the basements. But why? This is because the gas has a high density, no wonder it is often found in the basements where there are lots of shales and boulders in the soil. Radon is considered an indoor air pollutant and is regarded as a hazardous gas.

Radon is the result of the radioactive decay of radium in the soil. It can produce radioactive daughters such as lead and polonium as the material further decays. Together with other decay products, it can attach to the airborne particles, making alpha and beta radiation. This radiation is harmful since it can cause lung cancer.

Should You Install A Radon Mitigation System?

If you conduct radon testing and your home becomes positive to radon, what should you do? Should you immediately install a radon mitigation system?

Having a radon mitigation system is essential, especially for your home that has high radon levels. However, it would be best to ask a licensed radon contractor first. Why? This is because radon fluctuates. It can be high or low, depending on some factors. If you do short-term testing, the radon level can be high. But at some point, it can be low.

What should you do if radon fluctuates in your home? It would be best to conduct long-term radon testing because it can help you determine the radon levels in your home over a long period. This way, you can tell if the level is consistently high or not. If the level is high, that’s the time to consider a radon mitigation system.

Radon’s Health Effects

The problem with indoor air pollutants is they can cause damage to your lungs once you inhale them. As mentioned before, radon is a significant source of indoor air pollution. According to the World Health Organization, it has been causing tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States and Europe. To avoid any health risks, radon mitigation is a must.

Radon is a very harmful gas and once your home has high levels of it, make sure to contact your state’s professional radon contractors. This way, you can plan for radon mitigation and use the best technique to reduce radon levels in your home.

radon test home

When To Test Your Home for Radon

Radon, a cancer-causing gas, fluctuates in different periods. This is why it’s hard to detect whether a specific area in your home has high or low radon levels. If you conduct short-term radon testing, you can tell if the radioactive gas exists. If the result says radon is present, it doesn’t mean you need to install radon mitigation right away. This is because radon increases and decreases, so you need to monitor the levels first. The problem is, when should you get your home tested for radon?

Radon Problems and What You Should Do About Them

Radon is rampant in the United States. Although some people are aware of the significance of radon mitigation, others are still clueless about it. They lack awareness of the dangers of this radioactive gas and what it can do to one’s health. Radon is cancerous, and this is the biggest problem that it brings to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness of how dangerous radon is and what actions are needed to eradicate it.

Radon can cause cancer.

Although the World Health Organization recognized radon as the second-leading cause of lung cancer, individuals are still not concerned about it. They believe that it will not harm you right away. It might be accurate, but some people are very sensitive; that’s why they experience short-term adverse effects.

Even if radon cannot cause death right away, it is still vital to reduce radon levels at home. Since it is colorless and tasteless, you’ll never know how long you are exposed to it. So it would be best to get your home tested for radon, monitor the levels, and take necessary actions to mitigate it.

When is the Best Time to Get Your Home Tested for Radon?

The best time to test your home for radon is now. This is because radon is present during winter, summer, spring, or fall. But if you want to follow a specific schedule, it would be best to do it in winter. Since most homes and buildings are tightly sealed to avoid extreme cold, it is also an opportunity to trap the radon inside. Winter is the best time because you can see radon at its worst. You can tell the radon levels to your state’s radon contractor to address the issues.

Radon testing is one of the first steps to address radon problems. Winter is an ideal time to get your home tested for radon. But it would be best to do it as soon as possible to check the existence of this radioactive gas. This way, you can take necessary actions once you find out that your home has high radon levels. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure.