Tag Archives: radon

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.

Do Ceiling Fans Reduce Radon?

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Radon

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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.

Is Radon An Indoor Air Pollutant?

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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.

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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.

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What Does Radon Smell Like?

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Have you ever wondered what radon smells like? Or does it have a smell? Many people are becoming aware of what radon can do to the body. Long-term exposure can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. 

This is why many health and environmental agencies are raising awareness of radon’s adverse effects. As a homeowner, it is essential to keep your home radon-free to ensure your family’s safety. The question is, can you detect radon by its smell? If not, what can you do to detect radon?

Does Radon Have A Smell?

Radon has caused death to millions of people’s lives. That’s why it is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. To address the issue, the government and support groups are encouraging households to create a radon-resistant home. This is possible by installing radon mitigation systems that will eventually reduce the amount of radon in homes. One of the first steps to make your home radon-free is detecting whether the gas is present or not. 

Some people believe that radon smells like rotten eggs, so it is easier to determine the existence of the cancer-causing gas. However, this is only a myth because radon has no smell. Unlike others’ beliefs, radon has no color, taste, and smell, making it challenging to identify its existence. The good news is there are tests designed especially for radon, allowing you to have an accurate reading on the radon level in your home.

What to Do to Detect Radon

Since radon gas can’t be seen or smelled, the only way to know its existence is through radon testing. You may refer to “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon” published by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This guide will help you test your home for radon, especially if you consider DIY radon test kits. Not only that, but you’ll also learn what to do if your home’s radon levels are too high.

Radon testing has two types – short-term and long-term. Short-term radon testing is enough to detect radon, but if you want to monitor the radon levels at home, long-term testing is highly recommended. If you think you cannot do the testing yourself, you can hire a professional radon contractor. It would be best to look from your state’s list of licensed radon contractors.

Radon is a dangerous gas because it can cause lung cancer. Since it is naturally occurring, it’s pretty challenging to ensure that you are not exposed to this radioactive material. To address the issue, installing a radon mitigation system is ideal. Ensure to hire a licensed radon contractor and ask for the recommended radon reduction techniques suitable for your home.

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.

Radon and Lung Cancer: 5 Myths Debunked

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Not all people know about the adverse effects of radon. This is why every state is exerting much effort to raise awareness on this cancer-causing gas. Though the World Health Organization has released a statement about the relationship between radon and lung cancer, some people still lack knowledge about what this radioactive gas can do. As a result, they believe in some myths. In this article, learn the truth about radon and lung cancer.

The Truth About Radon and Lung Cancer

Radon is a radioactive gas, which the naked eye cannot see. You cannot also smell or touch it, making it challenging to identify whether it is present in your home or not. This is why radon testing is needed to determine the radon levels in your home. Although there are tolerable levels, meaning it is not that dangerous, it is still best to make your home radon-free. 

Radon and lung cancer are always related. Exposing yourself to high radon levels for a long time can increase your risk of lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, making it next to smoking. If you are a smoker, the chances of getting lung cancer increase when you are exposed to radon.

Probably, some of you might ask, “What if I don’t smoke? Will I still get lung cancer?” The answer is yes because lung cancer can be caused by second-hand smoking. Another cause is high radon exposure. If you want to avoid this deadly disease, make sure to stop smoking and create a radon-resistant home.

Radon Myths Debunked

Do you know a lot of things about radon? If not, here are some of the popular myths that you should not believe.

Radon is not dangerous.

If radon is not dangerous, then there will be no reported cases of radon deaths. The truth is, the number of deaths caused by this radioactive gas is alarming. Every year, more and more people die because of lung cancer caused by radon. If you don’t want to be a victim of this silent killer, make sure to do the proper radon mitigation. 

High levels of radon can be detected.

Whether radon is high or low, you cannot detect it unless you conduct radon testing. You can perform a short-term radon test or opt for long-term radon testing.

Homeowners can just open the windows to avoid high radon levels.

Although opening your windows can improve your home’s ventilation and reduce radon, it is still not enough to make your home radon-free. Therefore, consider other radon reduction techniques recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

If a radon mitigation system is installed, radon testing is not needed.

Radon testing is still needed even if you have installed a radon mitigation system in your home. This is because radon fluctuates, meaning it can be high or low. As such, you need to consistently monitor the radon level to ensure that you are safe from cancer-causing gas.

If the neighbor’s home has low radon levels, so do the others too.

Radon levels vary from home to home, so make sure to ask for professional help to determine the radon levels in your home.

Radon is dangerous, so homeowners have to take the proper steps to avoid this cancer-causing gas. There are different radon mitigation techniques to consider. But it would be best to call a licensed radon contractor to ensure that your home is radon-free. Doing so guarantees that you will be safe from radon and lung cancer.

The Importance of Long-Term Radon Testing

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According to the World Health Organization, radon is a major cause of lung cancer. This radioactive material is considered dangerous since it can increase the risks of people to the said deadly disease. Whether you are a smoker or not, you can have lung cancer once exposed to high radon levels. One step that you can take to avoid radon’s adverse effects is to conduct long-term radon testing.

What is Radon Testing?

Radon testing is the process that you can use to identify the radon level in your home. You may ask for professional assistance from licensed radon contractors to conduct radon testing in your properties. Another option is to buy DIY radon test kits and do the radon testing yourself. If you have never tried it before, it is ideal to call the experts.

There are two types of radon testing to choose from: short-term and long-term radon testing. Although both can help you detect whether the cancer-causing gas is present in your home, choosing the latter one is highly recommended. To understand better, here’s the difference between the two types of tests:

Short Term vs. Long-Term

Short-term radon testing allows you to measure radon levels for 2-7 days. It is the quickest way to screen your home for radon. According to professional radon contractors, it is best to start with a short-term radon test when detecting the radioactive material.

On the other hand, long-term radon testing allows you to measure radon levels for a minimum of 90 days. Unlike short-term radon tests, this process can estimate the annual average of radon in your home. Long-term testing is more ideal because it includes both heating and non-heating seasons.

Why Long-Term Radon Testing is A Must

Some homeowners overlook the significance of radon testing because, for them, it is not necessary. And if they will test their home for radon, they believe a short-term radon test is enough. But unfortunately, it is not. Not only that, but it requires additional costs.

Long-term radon testing is a must because this radioactive gas fluctuates. Meaning, radon levels can be low or high at certain times of the year. Although there is an acceptable radon level at home, you’ll never know if it is safe unless you monitor the levels yourself. As such, long-term radon testing is a must.

Unlike short-term radon tests, a long-term radon test can tell you anything about how much radon is present, considering the different times of the year. With this process, you can monitor which area of your house has high radon levels. The surprising benefit of long-term radon tests is you can avoid unnecessary expenses. But how?

Some homeowners consider radon mitigation techniques as soon as they discover that their home has high radon levels. This could be costly since that could be the season where the radon level is high. There are times when the radon level is low, which means you don’t have to conduct radon mitigation right away.

Should You Do Short-Term or Long-Term Radon Testing?

If you cannot decide between short-term and long-term tests, you may consider both. The first one can be used to identify whether the radioactive gas is present. Once you found out that radon is present in your home, it’s time to monitor the radon levels throughout the year. If the radon level becomes alarming and you think it poses health risks, contact the radon experts and ask for the ideal radon mitigation techniques.

Is There A Connection Between Radon and Mold?

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Radon and mold in homes both pose health dangers. Long-term radon exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer. On the other hand, mold can produce mycotoxins, a toxic chemical that can cause disease and, worse, death. As a homeowner, it is essential to keep your home safe from mold and cancer-causing gas. Since both radon and mold can appear indoors and pose health risks, you are probably wondering if there is a connection between them. Read on to find out the answer.

Radon and Mold: What Dangers Do They Bring?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter through the cracks in your home. Although radon exposure cannot cause death right away, it damages your lung cells as time goes by. Since radon fluctuates, it is challenging to know when the radon level is high. As such, you need to monitor the level of the gas through long-term radon testing. But what if no actions are taken?

Suppose your home has high radon levels, and you didn’t install radon mitigation; radon will stay in your home. You and your family will be exposed to radioactive gas, which can damage your lungs. Too much radon exposure can cause lung cancer. And if you are a smoker, your chance of getting the disease is higher.

Meanwhile, mold is a kind of fungus that looks like a multicellular thread-like structure. Unlike radon that is invisible, mold can be seen by the naked eye, especially when it grows in food. There are different types of mold, and the worst ones can cause diseases and even death. 

Testing Your Home for Mold and Radon

Radon and mold are two different things. The connection between them is they can pose health dangers. This is why it is crucial to improve your home’s air quality to avoid these two. Some people wonder if radon testing can also detect mold or vice versa. But what experts recommend is to conduct two different tests. Why?

Radon testing is designed for detecting radon in homes. There are two types of radon testing, short-term and long-term. The first one is used to determine whether the radioactive gas is present or not. Long-term radon testing, on the other hand, is used to monitor the radon levels at home. There are DIY radon test kits that you can use, which are cheaper but hiring a licensed radon contractor, is highly recommended.

For mold mitigation, you can hire experts if the situation gets worst. But if mold is not that rampant in your home, there are simple ways that you can follow to reduce mold in your home, such as:

Check if your basement is leak-proof. If not, fix it immediately.
Check the heating and cooling system regularly and change filters monthly.
Exhaust the cooking areas, clothes dryers, and bathrooms to the outdoors.
Make sure to reduce the humidity in your home. Doing so can prevent mold growth.
When using a dehumidifier, don’t forget to empty the water collection reservoir frequently.

Radon and mold are both dangerous that’s why eliminating them in your home is a must. You can follow the tips above in reducing the mold, but you can also hire a mold expert if you need help. For radon mitigation, try to hire a licensed contractor from your state.