One of the most common places the deadly gas called radon can be found in a home is the basement or sub-levels. It seeps up from the ground beneath through cracks in the foundation, walls or floors. The only way to discover if radon is a problem or not is to test specifically for it. We recommend hiring a radon mitigation professional to conduct the tests.

Radon is released when uranium undergoes radioactive decay, which resides in soil and rocks underground. The air pressure in a home is often lower than the pressure of the ground underneath, so it acts like a vacuum, sucking the radon inside. Once inside a home, the radon can collect in large quantities slowly affecting the residents within.

It is the second leading cause of lung cancer the world over. The only thing that increases the risk for lung cancer more than long-term exposure to radon is tobacco smoke – but only direct contact. Secondhand smoke actually poses a lower risk than radon exposure.

It often makes its way into a home and collects in the lowest areas. That said, it can spread through the entirety of a home and if left unchecked it can grow to dangerously high levels. In fact, it is estimated that 1 out of every 15 homes in the US has an unhealthy amount of radon within.

While radon does commonly plague lower levels such as a basement it does not mean homes without them are free from potential problems. The gas can get into any home regardless of age, makeup or location. Most newer homes are developed using radon resistant construction measures, but it doesn’t always work out like it’s supposed to.

In places where radon is a big problem, mitigation systems are necessary. While most require the test results to be sent to a remote location and take weeks to return, there is a method that can be done relatively quickly. Provided the hired mitigation professional has the proper equipment, they can install a computer based testing system in the home temporarily and print the results locally. In other words, the test results can be viewed almost instantly – after the testing period has completed obviously.

This is one of the main reasons we recommend hiring a mitigation professional to handle the testing process instead of doing it yourself.

Image by the University of Liverpool

Radon gas is a common – and silent – killer all across the world. In the United States, it accounts for more than 21,000 deaths every year and the same holds true for England according to a 2010 SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) analysis. It’s a natural decay product of various elements that reside in the soil such as uranium. Once emitted, radon gas can seep into a home through cracks in the foundation, walls and floors.

One of the only ways to discover the presence of radon is to test for it specifically. To remove it from a home or residence, a radon mitigation system must be installed. There are several types available, but essentially they all vent the gas out into the open air and out of a residence.

Researchers Developed a Molecular Cage to Filter Dangerous Gases Such as Radon

Thanks to some new research however, we may soon be able to filter toxic gases out of a home including radon. While gas filtering has been around for quite some time, lower concentration gases are more difficult to vent this way. Researchers at the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have produced a new type of material that can filter through atomic selectivity. What that means is that the filter system uses a special type of molecule, called CC3, to trap atomic gas particles of a specific size. Atoms or particles with different dimensions than the filtration system are allowed to pass through freely.

“By a process of adsorption – where molecules or atoms stick onto the surface – the right gas molecules are held in place, while others such as water or nitrogen are released.”

It works as a sort of molecular cage to trap various atoms. The practice itself has been around, but it has never been applied to noble gases.

The Technology May Be Used in the Future to Eliminate Dangerous Gases in Homes

Of course, at this time the research is only being used to study the cage structure and process. It will be quite some time before we see it being applied in the real world. Unfortunately, that means for the time being there will be no radon filtration systems, outside of exisiting mitigation measures which simply vent the gas – as opposed to blocking it out.

That said, this is great news for the future. As home manufacturers are required to incorporate radon resistant construction in new homes, it’s possible these CC3 atom cages may also become commonplace someday.

If you’d like to read more on the topic, you can visit the University of Liverpool website.

It turns out that radon exposure may eventually be linked to more forms of cancer other than lung cancer – which has one of the highest mortality rates of the disease.

Radon Linked to PV, a Rare Form of Blood Cancer

Pennsylvania homes in counties such as Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill have been found to exhibit elevated levels of radioactive toxins in the air and soil, such as radon gas. The information was unveiled in a report from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The findings are a direct result of research which was sparked by a high rate of a rare form of blood cancer. An unusually high number of residents have been diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV), which – as mentioned – is a very uncommon form of cancer. After conducting thorough research, ATSDR has radon linked to the linked problem.

Polycythemia is a disorder that affects bone marrow, leading to an abnormal increase in the number of the patient’s blood cells. As a result too many red blood cells are produced in the body, and sometimes even the number of white blood cells and platelets may also increase.

Elevated Radium Levels in the Local Soil and Air Were Found

Lora Werner, director of ATSDR in the region is worried that the elevated levels may be a health concern for local residents.

“ATSDR considers the exposures to radon gas in indoor air at these homes to be of public health concern and encourages residents living in the study area to have their homes tested.”

Per the request of ATSDR, the PA state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collected soil and air samples from various homes in the affected area which layered three counties from Tamaqua, McAdoo and Hazleton. This was primarily due to the concentration of diagnosed cancer cases in the area.

Elevated radon levels were discovered in the soil and air samples, as well as private well water samples. If you weren’t already aware, radon can also seep into a home through the water supply just like it can through cracks in the foundation, walls and floors. Although, it is less likely to gather in abundance due to water transfer it is still certainly possible for elevated levels to amass from it.

Residents Should Test Their Home for the Presence of Radon

ATSDR recommends that all residents with homes in the air have their residence tested for the presence of radon. We recommend testing twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. However, if there is the possibility of an elevated presence of the gas – such as the one outlined by ATSR – it is important that you have your home tested as soon as possible.

Start with short term tests, and conduct a long-term test if elevated levels are discovered after the others. Contrary to popular belief you can purchase DIY testing kits for relatively cheap at any hardware store and online. You can have licensed professionals conduct a test but it’s not necessary. Just follow the appropriate rules and guidelines for testing your home.

Via: Standard Speaker

When discussing the dangers of radon, it’s easy to dismiss the problem as being relevant only to homeowners. The reality – or gravity of the situation if you want to be more specific – is that most people, including homeowners have absolutely no idea what radon is or what dangers its presence poses.

Breathing Easier, Eliminate Air Pollution in Your Home

Image by Iowa Cancer Consortium

Awareness is a big thing when it comes to preventing problems like this. Carbon monoxide is talked about often, so a lot of people know about it – but radon is actually an even bigger problem. When you go to a physician or various health based websites there are a lot of mentions of other dangers in the home, but somehow radon is often overlooked.

Believe it or not, if more physicians know about the problem and are aware of its dangers they can make recommendations to patients. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, which has an extremely high mortality rate. This is because by the time patients show symptoms of lung cancer, its passed beyond a curable state.

The problem can be prevented easily and by using fairly expensive means like a mitigation system if a high levels are identified. That is the biggest issue, most people are unaware there’s even a problem in their home until its too late. There are so many stories about the families of patients researching radon after a loved one has already been diagnosed with lung cancer, or worse.

Breathing Easier, Informational Video About Radon for Physicians

This video from the Iowa Cancer Consortium aims to raise the awareness about radon and bring attention to the problem by educating any and all physicians across the country.

The official page for the video provides lots of detailed information about the dangers of radon including a whole slew of case studies about the problems associated with the deadly gas an its link to lung cancer.

Also, on the site there are several printable flyers that provide information about radon. It’s a good idea to hang them around your office if your a physician, or simply pass them out to doctors if you’re a patient. The more people that know about radon, the more lives will be saved from the terrible disease of lung cancer.

It goes without saying, if you haven’t already had your home or business tested for the presence of radon do it as soon as possible. It takes time to test, as the air sample must be collected over an extended period of time, and then it also takes time to send the test results to the lab and receive them back. Just think, you could be exposed to high levels of radon during that period, all the while increasing your risk of lung cancer.

While radon resistant construction measures and mitigation systems are certainly the most effective when it comes to keeping the deadly gas out of your home, Indoor airPlus Construction Specifications can also keep the air quality in your home at healthy levels.

According to the US EPA:

“Indoor airPLUS labeled homes are designed and built to help protect your family from indoor air pollution. The program also provides builders of ENERGY STAR Certified Homes with a new opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition.”

These standards were adopted because indoor air pollution is becoming more and more of a problem over time. In fact, the EPA estimates that the average air inside a home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Indoor airPlus Homes Must Meet a Series of Strict Requirements

All homes must be verified to meet the necessary requirements before they are labeled as Indoor airPlus certified. The US EPA has provided builders and contractors with a very thorough checklist and set of instructions for implementing Indoor airPlus construction in a home.

As a general guideline, Indoor airPlus homes were designed with these seven techniques in mind.

1. Moisture Control – All areas of the home, including the foundation must be sealed and constructed using moisture resistant measures. This prevents moisture, severe humidity and several problems assocaited with those elements from contaminating the air inside the home.
2. Radon Resistant Construction – The common radon resistent construction measures must be implemented. Obviously, this will prevent radon from collecting and building up inside the home at dangerous levels.
3. Pest Barrier Construction – Potential pathways for pests should be sealed enough to prevent entry into the home. This includes preventative measures for rodents, insects – including termites – and birds.
4. Proper HVAC System Measures – The various inner workings, ducts and ventilation areas must utilize the proper HVAC measures to prevent air contamination inside the home. This includes measures to prevent indoor humidity, moisture, and exhaust areas for known pollutants.
5. Combustion Pollutant Control – This essentially requires the implementation of measures and techniques to prevent common pollutants such as auto emissions, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide and more.
6. Low – Emission Construction Materials – This includes a series of instructions about the types of materials that can be used to build the home, all of which do not exhibit VOC traits, or volatile organic compounds. Certain materials – if used – can and will release pollutants over an extended period of time. This technique basically ensures very few to none of those materials are used.
7. Home Commissioning – The homeowner or buyer must be educated on the Indoor airPlus certification and the measures used to keep the air quality in the home at healthy levels. They must understand the airPlus requirements checklist and any systems in place to keep the home clean.

Is Your Home Indoor airPlus Certified?

As you can see, before a home can be given the Indoor airPlus label it must include everything from the extensive checklist. After purchasing a verified home, you’ll be given a manual that describes all the preventative measures taken – and instructions to operate the various systems in place.

Image by the US EPA

The presence of radon in new homes can be eliminated with the use of radon resistant construction, which requires contractors to implement various building techniques that prevent the deadly gas from seeping into the residence. Since radon is a naturally occurring gas that can exist anywhere, resistant construction measures are a requirement in most places.

Believe it or not, the techniques used are not beyond the skill of the average contractor and they do not require any special equipment. No special skills are need to use these techniques either, so as a homeowner you have a right to ensure these measures are being implemented.

For the most part, the techniques used may vary but they will all follow these five basic rules.

Five Basic Rules for Radon Resistant Construction

1. Gravel must be placed underneath the home. Contractors must use a 4-inch layer of clean and course gravel below the foundation of the home – also known as the “slab.” The gravel effectively allows the gases produced by the soil to move around underneath the home itself. This layer is often referred to by contractors as the “air flow layer” because it allows circulation beneath the home.

2. A plastic sheeting or vapor retarder must be placed between the gravel layer and the home. If plastic sheeting is used it must be heavy duty plastic (6 mil. polyethylene). The plastic sheeting or retarder serves two purposes: first it prevents the gases from seeping up from the gravel into the home, and second it prevents the poured concrete from draining into the gravel and ruining the air flow.

3. A ventilation pipe or drainage system must be put into place. Contractors will usually run a 3 or 4 inch PVC schedule 40 pipe from the gravel bed through the home and to the roof. This will safely vent all gas, including radon, outside the home without endangering those who live within.

4. All openings, cracks, crevices and seams must be sealed and caulked. This is especially important in the concrete foundation as it will prevent gases like radon from seeping into the home. Polyurethane caulk should always be used.

5. An electrical junction box or outlet should be installed in the attic along with a vent fan to ensure the gases are pushed out of the home. This step isn’t always required, and is primarily used for more robust mitigation solutions. A lot of times this will only be installed after a problem is identified in a home, or in high risk areas.

Radon Resistant Construction

Even after a mitigation system has been installed – including radon resistant measures in a new home – it’s a good idea to test for the presence of the deadly gas. In most cases, it’s smarter to purchase a radon detector that will constantly monitor the gas levels inside the home.

The cost of implementing radon resistant measures in a new home will depend on the materials, equipment and builders themselves. That said, it is definitely cheaper to take prevantative measures when the home is built as opposed to later when a problem has been identified, not to mention it’s better for the health of those living inside the home – long term exposure to radon creates the most problems.

As outlined by the EPA, if contractors and builders use radon resistant measures they “should provide customers with achecklist of included features.” You can find a copy of that RRNC checklist here.

Image by Eric Schmuttenmaer

Testing your home for radon is extremely important, it doesn’t matter whether your home is new or old. Since radon is a naturally ocurring gas it can exist anywhere, and it can be a problem in any residence, business or building. We recommend testing at least twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. This is because the radon concentration inside a structure can vary depending on certain elements, one of which has to do with the local climate and season.

While we have established that radon testing is important and why it is, we have not discussed the best places to find radon testing equipment. To be perfectly honest, you’re better off hiring a radon mitigation contractor to handle testing and installation of a mitigation system – where it is necessary. However, you can do it all yourself if you’d rather do it that way.

Where to Buy Radon Testing Equipment

The best place to buy radon testing kits is actually online. There are several manufacturers that sell and ship their equipment at a low cost to the consumer. Just a simple web search will turn up plenty of results, but if you’re looking for a more mainstream distributor you can visit Amazon – there are tons available on the platform.

If you’d like to see the different radon testing kits that are available take a look at the comparison chart.

Of course, the next point to keep in mind is that you want to start with a short term test. Short term tests are generally conducted from a period of 7-90 days, where the testing kit is left to sit for that long in order to collect an air sample. If the test results returned from the lab show elevated levels of radon in your home, then you should conduct a follow-up test using a long term kit. Long term kits are left for a period of longer than 90 days and give an accurate reading of the average radon levels in your home. Because the concentration of radon can fluctuate the average is a more pertinent reading of the levels in your home. If the long term results also show elevated radon levels, then you need to take action and have a mitigation system installed as soon as possible.

State Radon Testing Programs

Most states – but not all – have a radon program, and the ones that do sometimes offer free testing kits to homeowners. To find out if there’s a radon program in your state take a look at the National Radon Directory.

If your state does offer free radon testing kits that is the best way to get your hands on one. Generally, there’s no cost to the homeowner and the kits will be shipped to you. You may or may not have to pay shipping to send the test samples into a remote lab, but it is inexpensive.

Image by Yale Rosen

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Unfortunately, lung cancer does not produce noticeable symptoms during it’s earliest stages.

By the time patients begin to see side effects, they are often long past a curable state. In approximately 40 percent of those with lung cancer, a majority of them were diagnosed after the disease has advanced to a deadly state. In about one third of those diagnosed, the lung cancer had already progressed to stage 3. This is why it is highly recommended that you undergo consistent screening if you believe that you are at risk.

With all of that aside, what are the symptoms of lung cancer? What are some signs everyone should watch out for? Please keep in mind that all the symptoms listed below generally indicated a more progressed stage of lung cancer, so if you believe you exhibit one of these symptoms you need to consult with a doctor immediately.

Nine Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lingering Cough – If you contract a cough right along with a cold or respiratory infection it will generally go away within a week or so. If you have a cough that persists longer than that – or have had one – then it’s time to pay a visit to the doctor. Even if the chronic cough is not associated with lung cancer, it can signify other severe health issues. Your doctor will likely listen to your lungs and may order an X-ray to find the source of the problem.

Evolving Cough – Borrowing from the previous point, if your cough changes in any way it may be a sign of lung cancer or a serious lung illness – especially if you are a smoker. For example, if you find that you’re coughing more often than usual, if the sound has grown deeper or more course, or if you’re coughing up blood, then you need to visit a doctor.

Changes in Breathing – If you notice that you’ve grown short of breath more often, or if you’re having difficult breathing in any way these are possible symptoms of lung cancer. Depending on where the cancer or tumor is located is can block the airway, or build up fluid in the lungs. The easiest way to tell if there is a change is to assess activities that you could previously perform without difficulty breathing. If you find yourself running out of breath after climbing stairs – and you never did before – this is cause for alarm and warrants a visit to your doctor.

Chest Pain – Believe it or not, lung cancer can actually cause pain in the chest, shoulder, arm or back area. Most people associate this type of pain with heart attacks, but that’s not always the case. Often, the pain can be incurred through dull or consistent aches – it’s not always brought on by another issue like coughing. Lung cancer can cause chest pain when lymph nodes have enlarged or tumors have metastisized to the chest wall, pleura or ribs.

Wheezing – There are many health issues that can cause wheezing so this is definitely not a symptom exclusive to cancer. If the lungs or airways become constricted, blocked or inflamed somehow then it produces a wheezing noise when the affected individual breathes. Don’t just assume that your wheezing is caused by asthma, allergies, or minor lung issues – if you experience wheezing visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Raspy Voice or Changes – If you notice a change in your voice, such as it becomes more raspy and hoarse this is another possible symptom of lung cancer. If a tumor affects the larynx – or voice box – then it can cause some pretty blatant changes in the tone and sound of your voice. This issue can also be caused by a common cold or infection, but if the problem pesists for longer than two weeks an immediate check-up is recommended.

Drastic Weight Loss – A quick, or drastic change in weight is another symptom of lung cancer. The cancerous cells inside the body actually consume necessary energy, resulting in the body dropping weight – as if the person affected were working hard to lose it. If you notice a drastic change in weight and you haven’t change your lifestyle or habits, you might want to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Bone Pain – This one might be a little harder to pinpoint, but it often causes those affected to experience pain in their back, neck or various areas of the body. Lung cancer can spread to the bones and cause pain in affected areas. Always discuss any discomfort, pain or aches with your doctor to ensure it’s not being caused by something more serious.

Headaches – Frequent headaches are common in those who have any form of cancer. This is often a sign that the cancer has spread to the brain, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that. Lung cancer can also cause headaches, because a tumor may press on the superior vena cava causing pressure. This is the vein that moves blood from the upper body back to the heart. If this vein is blocked it can cause some rather intense headaches.

Regular Check-ups and Screening Can Help

The mortality rate for lung cancer is so high because patients aren’t diagnosed until the later stages. This is why it’s important to pay regular visits to your doctor and undergo screening if you’re considered a high risk patient – or if cancer runs in your family.

Radon is certainly not the only cause of lung cancer, but at least you’ll know how to protect yourself in the event that you are exposed to elevated levels.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that forms naturally. It can seep into any home through cracks in the foundation, walls and floors regardless of location. That means every homeowner should test their home for the presence of radon, but not just the presence – the abundance of it, as well.

How is Radon Formed?

Radon forms naturally during the decay of various radioactive elements such as uranium. The affected elements can be found at several different levels in soil and rock, all around the world. As the elements decay they produce the deadly gas radon which moves into the air and upper levels of the ground. It can also seep into ground and surface water, which is yet another way it can enter the home – through a water source.

Many people believe that radon gas, or at least the presence of it is a hoax – a placebo if you will. It is very real, and it is a danger to everyone. It can seep into any home, residence, or business.

Why is Radon so Dangerous?

Long term exposure to radon is the biggest problem, however symptoms do not generally show until its too late. Since radon is the second leading cause of cancer the world over, it’s likely that those exposed to radon for extended periods of time will eventually be plagued by it. Lung cancer has a remarkably high mortality rate, because like radon poisoning there are no short term symptoms. In fact, most of the time when a lung cancer victim has been diagnosed the disease has progressed beyond a curable state.

What’s really sad is that there are 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States which are directly associated to radon exposure, yet many of them could be prevented.

How to Avoid Radon Exposure?

For the most part, there will always be some level of radon gas inside your residence. However, once the levels are above 4.0pCi/L, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends immediate action. We actually recommend taking action if the levels are above 2.0pCi/L, because even that can be considered a dangerous amount.

The only way to discover the presence of radon, or find out how much exists inside your home is to perform a test. If test results show elevated levels, then you need to have a mitigation system installed which essentially vents the gas out of the indoor space.

We recommend testing your home, residence or business at least twice a year, once during the summer and another time in the winter. This is because radon levels can fluctuate throughout the air. Always start with a short term test and if it returns an elevated reading, follow-up with a long term test.

If a mitigation system is installed in your home, be sure to have a radon detector installed just to make sure the equipment is working properly. Just because a mitigation system is in place and running, does not mean that radon levels can not become dangerous inside the home.

Why are You Repeating All of This?

Most of this information has been recycled here and there at Radon Resources, but there’s a rhyme and reason behind it. The more people that know about radon and its dangers, the more lives can be saved. In addition, most people learn by repetition so if they read the same thing multiple times they’re more likely to recall it later. Since radon induced lung cancer can be prevented for the most part by running a simple test in your home – and taking action if levels are too high – it seems silly not to make more people aware of the problem. Does it not?

In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency held a video contest that called for lung cancer survivors to share their experience with the world. The winner, Eddie Metcalfe produced a video that shows firsthand what folks diagnosed with lung cancer must go through. It serves as a call to action for the rest of us, proof that every home needs to be tested for the presence of radon.

The Dangers of Radon: Eddie’s Story

Eddie’s video may only be a minute long, but his experience – which cost him a portion of his lung – will remain with him for the rest of his life. The sad part about the story is that it probably could have easily been prevented, with a simple radon test.

As Eddie mentioned, the radon levels in his home were extremely high. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, all across the world. There are absolutely no short terms symptoms of radon poisoning or lung cancer. In fact, most lung cancer victims are diagnosed too late because symptoms don’t start to show until after the disease has reached an incurable state.

Radon is deadly, odorless, colorless and tasteless. The only way to identify its presence is to perform a test specifically for it. We recommend testing twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. If elevated levels are discovered during one of those tests, you should perform a long term test. Final results will show whether or not a mitigation system needs to be installed. If levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L action is definitely necessary, but we recommend mitigation if the levels are any higher than 2.0 pCi/L.

The greater the number of people that understand the dangers of radon, the greater the number of lives that can be saved.

Radon May Not Be the Only Danger in Your Home

Believe it or not, radon is extremely common yet most people have no clue what it is. That said, there are quite a few other dangers that may or may not exist in a home. If you’d like to read more about some of those take a look at our in-depth article on keeping the air quality in your home clean and fresh.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by lung cancer we urge you to share your experience and story with others. It will help save lives and raise awareness about the problem, one which most people have no clue even exists.

If even one life is saved because someone read or shared this content, then we have been successful. The dangers of radon need to be discussed far and wide.