Radon has been one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. Some people overlook it, but little do they know that this radioactive material has been affecting thousands to millions of lives every day. Though it doesn’t affect you right away, it can cause lung damage as time passes by. The problem is, you cannot detect it using any of your senses; that’s why radon testing is a must. If you think mitigating this silent killer is not essential, you might need to reconsider, especially if you live in one of the states with the highest radon level.
Radon: A Silent Killer
Some people still think that radon can be easily detected. Others believe that this gas smells like rotten eggs. However, this is only a myth because you cannot see radon using your five senses. This gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, but its damage to your health ranges from mild to severe, depending on how much radon you expose yourself to. Radon is a silent killer; that’s why learning more about how you can eliminate it is crucial to you and your family.
States With Highest Radon Level
Radon is prevalent in the United States. Although there are states with the highest radon levels, it doesn’t mean that you are safe if you don’t live in these places. Radon is a naturally occurring gas; therefore, you can find it anywhere. Besides, it is usually high in the basement at home since it enters through the foundation’s cracks and sealings. Living in a place where there is high radon can increase your risk of radon exposure, so if you live in the following states, call a licensed radon contractor to ask for the best radon mitigation system.
Here are the 10 US states with the highest radon levels:
- Alaska (10.7)
- South Dakota (9.6)
- Pennsylvania (8.6)
- Ohio (7.8)
- Washington (7.5)
- Kentucky (7.4)
- Montana (7.4)
- Idaho (7.3)
- Colorado (6.8)
- Iowa (6.1)
Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency data, there are 1 in 3 homes checked in seven states that had high radon levels. This means the gas exceeded the recommended action level for radon exposure which is four pCi/L. Take note that the PCI in “pCi/L” is a picocurie. It is one trillionth of a curie and measures the rate of radioactive decay of radon.
According to Air Chek, Inc, although the states listed earlier have high radon levels, it doesn’t mean that others have low levels. 31 states have radon exposure above four pCi/L. When you check the places, they are located in the northern half of the United States.
If you are curious which states have low radon levels, they are as follow:
- Arizona
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
Radon is a hazardous gas since it can cause damage to your lungs. Although radon exposure doesn’t kill you right away, this radioactive material still poses some health risks. If you live in the US states with the highest radon level, it is time to take the right actions to mitigate radon. Ensure to contact a licensed radon contractor from your state to install a radon mitigation system in your home.
