Tag Archives: radon levels

Do House Plants Remove Radon in the Air?

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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.

10 States With the Lowest Radon Levels

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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?

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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

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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.

radon test home

When To Test Your Home for Radon

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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.

Is Radon Radioactive?

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Many people know that radon can cause cancer. But not all understand what it is, how it enters one’s home and other dangers that it could bring. What is radon? Is radon radioactive? If so, what does it mean?

Understanding Radioactivity

Suppose radon is a radioactive material; what can it do to you? Does it make radon more dangerous? To understand radon more, it is essential to learn what radioactivity is. In simple terms, radioactivity refers to the spontaneous disintegration or decay of the nucleus of an atom. It happens through the emission of particles which are usually accompanied by electromagnetic radiation. 

Radioactivity naturally happens. It is exhibited by several elements, which include but are not limited to uranium, radium, radon gas, and radon’s daughters. Radiation produced by the elements can be of three types, and these are the following:

  • Alpha particle. It has relatively weak penetration power, a nucleus that includes two protons and two neutrons of an ordinary helium atom.
  • Beta particle. It has a moderate penetration power, which is a high-speed electron. Sometimes, it can be in a positron that is the electron’s antiparticle.
  • Gamma radiation. It is a type of electromagnetic radiation with very short wavelengths. As such, it results in very high penetration power. 

Is Radon Radioactive?

As mentioned earlier, radon exhibits radioactivity; therefore, it is a radioactive material. The problem with radon is its unusual property in terms of the radioactive decay chain. The gas produced by radon comes from a radioactive solid element. Then, the radioactive gas changes back into radioactive heavy metallic particles. 

The atomic size allows the transport of the radioactive atoms to pass through a relatively static environment. As a result, there is enough time for radon’s extended half-life to migrate through cracks and crevices in building foundations. This makes radon dangerous because it allows the gas to move quickly through a building or home. As a result, the air becomes contaminated.

Should You Test Your Home for Radon?

Since radon moves rapidly through the cracks in your home, it is essential to ensure that you are not exposed to the radioactive gas. The only way to find out if you have a radon-resistant home is through radon testing. Once you determine if radon exists in your home, you can contact a licensed radon contractor from your state for radon mitigation.

There are two types of radon testing that you can perform in your house. The first one is short-term, and the other one is long-term testing. It is advised to do both because short-term testing is only conducted to check the existence of the radioactive gas. To determine the radon levels and assess whether you need to take action or not, monitoring through long-term radon testing is recommended.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause cancer. That’s why making your home radon-resistant is a vital step to lower your risks of acquiring the diseases. You can do short-term and long-term radon testing as the initial steps in radon mitigation. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help when needed.

What Emits the Most Radiation in the Home?

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The responsibility of being a homeowner doesn’t stop from purchasing the house. When you have a home, you need to maintain its aesthetics and consider its maintenance. Aside from that, you have to make it safe for you and your family. This is because invisible enemies exist in homes that cause some health risks, including cancer. In this article, learn the things that emit the most radiation in the home.

Radiation in the Home

Radioactivity is part of people’s lives since it is caused by naturally occurring radioactive materials. An example is a radon, which is present in soil and water. Although radon cannot cause adverse effects right away, too much radon exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer. That’s why it is essential to ensure that your home is radon-free, and if not, at least the radon level is tolerable and somehow safe for your loved ones.

Radon enters your home through the house foundation cracks and sealing. Once the radon level increases, you will be exposed to too much radon, which can cause health risks if not mitigated. So what should you do? If you think radon is present, it is still essential to conduct radon testing to ensure its existence.

Two types of radon testing exist. The first one is short-term radon testing which helps you identify the presence of the radioactive gas. It is the first step you need to take when considering radon mitigation. But since the gas fluctuates, continuous monitoring is necessary, which you can do through long-term radon testing.

Radiation Sources at Home

Different things can cause radiation in the home. The following are some of the appliances, gadgets, and home accessories that can emit radiation:

Cordless baby monitors

If you have babies or infants at home, you could be using baby monitors since they are beneficial. As parents, you can use them to hear your baby’s breathing or crying. With these devices, you can tell if they have woken up from their nap or not. Although these devices are helpful, the infant intercom devices consist of a transmitter and a receiver that emits high-frequency radiation.

Microwave ovens

People use microwave ovens for cooking food quickly. You can also use them if you want to reheat something for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, microwave ovens emit radio waves, and their frequencies range from 300 million cycles per second (300 MHz) to 3 GHz. The amount of radiation is not that dangerous, but it would be best to keep yourself away from a microwave oven if you are using it. 

Tablets and e-readers

If you love to read, you might be surprised that tablets and e-reader also emit radiation which could be harmful if you overexpose yourself on these devices. Although tablets and e-readers are used for entertainment, it is not advised to use them for an extended period. If you have children who love to play games on tablets, make sure to monitor their screen time.

Many things in your house can emit radiation. Although the level is not that dangerous, it is still important not to be exposed to it since long-term exposure can cause adverse effects. It is pretty challenging to determine what emits the most radiation in the home since you can have appliances and gadgets that other households don’t have. To be safe, make sure to stay away from these things when using them.

Radiation is everywhere because there are naturally occurring radioactive materials. The problem with radiation is it can cause many adverse effects, such as cancer. For instance, radon comes from the decay of uranium, and too much exposure to this gas can lead to lung cancer. Other types of radiation can damage the DNA in your cells. To avoid any of these health risks, avoiding radiation exposure is recommended. You can do this with responsible use of the things that emit radiation in the home.

Why Do Some Areas Have High Radon Levels?

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The United States is one of the countries where a considerable percentage of lung cancer is caused by radon. This is why each state has different laws regarding radon. Not only that, but there are also health and environmental groups which promote awareness regarding radon mitigation. Everyone should know that radon is a cancer-causing gas, and reducing radon levels at home is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone. Besides, you’ll never know if your home has high radon levels or not unless you conduct radon testing. But why is radon higher in some places?

Radon Levels in the United States

There is no particular state that is radon-free. This is because every state is prone to high indoor radon levels since this gas naturally occurs. No wonder you can find it in every state. Although there are slight traces of radon in the atmosphere, everyone should not overlook its existence. Since this gas comes from the soil, rock, and water, you’ll never know if the air you’re exposed to contains high radon levels. Besides, radon levels vary from place to place, so the gravity of your home also varies.

The Possible Sources of Radon

Radon can be found in homes, schools, and workplaces. Several factors can affect how much radon can enter your homes, such as the geographical location of the place, soil type, and the construction techniques used in your house, school, and building. For you to be aware of where radon comes from, here are the possible sources:

Rocks

The rocks found beneath your home can contribute to a large portion of the radon escaping into the house. This is because rocks and stones contain veins of radioactive materials which decay into radon. Know that radon released from rocks outside your home dissipates in the outdoor air. However, the radon in the rocks below your foundation is released directly through the small cracks in your home.

Soil

One of the major radon sources is the soil beneath your home. Radon comes from the decay of radioactive elements, which naturally occur in rocks and stones. Suppose there is radon in the ground below your home, it can pass through cracks, gaps, and porous materials into your home. This is why sealing these areas is a must to prevent radon from entering. When sealing your home, consider the underground basements. 

Well Water

Well water is another source of radon. Suppose you have well water sourced from an aquifer; there is a high probability that it contains the cancer-causing gas because it is in close contact with rocks and soil containing radon.

Some places have high radon levels, while others have small amounts of traces of this gas. But no matter how much radon is there, what matters is to make your home, school, or workplace radon-resistant. Doing so is the only way to ensure that you will not be exposed to the cancer-causing gas. So if you want to reduce the risks of getting lung cancer, make sure to conduct radon testing and consider radon mitigation.

How Radon Gets Into the House

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Radon can be found in soil, and since it is naturally occurring, no one can prevent its existence. Besides, it can be found anywhere, including your home. This radioactive gas is prevalent in the United States, affecting thousands to millions of households. Although not everyone is aware of its adverse effects, more and more people consider radon mitigation to make a radon-resistant home. If you have never heard of radon before, we’re here to give you a glimpse of its harmful effects. You’ll also learn how this radioactive gas enters your home and what you can do about it.

Radon Mitigation: Why You Should Consider It Now

Lung cancer is no joke because many people have died because of it. According to the World Health Organization, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Although you are not a smoker, there are still chances that you can acquire it if you are exposed to high radon levels for a long time. The truth is, radon is the second leading cause of cancer next. And if you are a smoker, you are increasing your risks of lung cancer especially if your home has high radon levels.

Since radon is inevitable, it would be best to consider radon mitigation. You may apply quick fixes while waiting for a radon contractor or hire a radon expert immediately once you found out that your home has high radon levels. When it comes to radon mitigation, there are temporary and permanent solutions, and the best one depends on your necessity. If you are creating a radon-resistant home and want to live there as long as possible, the best radon mitigation techniques should be applied.

How Radon Enters Your Home

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium. It is usually found in nearly all soils. This gas moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home. Radon can enter your house through the cracks and other holes in your home’s foundation. This is why any home can experience a radon problem, including new and old houses, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Simple Radon Reduction Techniques

If you want to reduce radon  in your home, here are some radon reduction techniques to consider:

  • Caulking – you can use caulking products to seal entry points in the floors and walls of the home. 
  • Sealing – draft the excluders and rubber seals to seal around doors and other access points in a building. Don’t forget to seal the large cracks and openings in your home.
  • Ventilation – open the windows and vents to ensure that air is flowing throughout the house. If your home has a suspended ground floor and space underneath, make sure to clear the obstruction to improve the ventilation.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas, and it can be found almost everywhere. Therefore, you cannot guarantee that your home is safe from this cancer-causing gas. If you want to reduce the risks of acquiring lung cancer from long-time radon exposure, radon testing and applying radon mitigation should be prioritized.

Can Radon Contaminate Objects?

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More and more people are becoming aware of how dangerous radon is. But it doesn’t stop health organizations from raising awareness about the adverse effects of this cancer-causing gas. Since a long time exposure to high radon levels can damage the cells in your lungs, there is a need for radon mitigation to ensure that every home in the United States is safe for each family. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter your home in so many ways, leaving a question to most people, can this radioactive gas contaminate objects? If so, what are its harmful effects?

Radon in the Basement

As stated earlier, radon is naturally occurring. Although you cannot prevent its existence, you can avoid having high radon levels in your home. Since most houses in the United States have basements, homeowners should consider getting these areas tested for radon. Take note that radon can enter through the cracks seen in your floors, especially near the foundation of your home. Besides, basements are places where most homeowners keep the things they don’t often use. If you need these things one day, you might be concerned if radon has contaminated the objects stored in your basements.

If you are concerned about radon contamination in objects, you should not since radon decays quickly into non-noble products. Although the gas attaches itself to tangible things and the decay products sound alarming, radon concentrations at normal levels should not unto themselves be a cause for concern relative to the production of the decay products. Radon in objects is not a primary concern since the gas does not react very well with anything. For instance, when you breathe radon in, most of it gets breathed out without interacting with your lung tissues.

People should not be alarmed only with radon but with its decay products as well. The decay products are called radon progeny, particulates similar to small dust particles that can attach themselves to lung surfaces. These particles deliver a radiation dose from the alpha particles that the radon progeny emits. Most people are afraid of the health risk but it does not come from the gas itself but the progeny that the radon atoms turn into.

Radon Contamination in Objects

Radon can be found in objects, but people should not be afraid of it. If you conduct a radon test in your home and found out high radon levels in one area, it doesn’t mean that there are also high radon levels in the other rooms. What you can see in the objects you think are contaminated are the road progeny, which are like tiny dust particles. According to radon contractors, the amount of radioactivity associated with the progeny particles should not be more than the radioactivity associated with the radon gas parent.

Radon is a dangerous gas, but you should not panic when you find out that your home has high radon levels. This is because there are different ways on how to conduct radon mitigation. There are temporary solutions that you can apply to reduce radon levels. Once you have prepared a budget for more permanent radon reduction techniques, you can call the nearest radon contractor in your state to solve your radon problems.