Most people don’t think much about radon, except maybe when they’re buying a new home. However, this naturally occurring gas is something everyone should know about. You can’t see or smell it, and it can build up inside your home without you realizing it. Understanding what radon is, what it can do to your health and how to get rid of it can help you take steps to keep your home safer.
What Is Radon?
Radon forms when uranium breaks down in soil and rocks. It rises up from the ground and can get into buildings through tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes or even through well water. Any home can have radon, whether it’s old or new. In fact, about 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. has radon levels higher than what’s considered safe, according to federal health agencies. Because you can’t detect it on your own, many families live with high radon levels for years without knowing it.
Radon tends to build up most in basements and lower levels because they sit closest to the soil. But it can move throughout the house as air circulates. You won’t feel different if you’re exposed, and there are no early symptoms that warn you something is wrong. That’s why the only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.
Why Is Radon a Problem?
Long-term exposure to radon can harm your lungs. Breathing in high levels of radon over time is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right behind smoking. Even people who have never smoked can get lung cancer from radon, and the risk is even greater if you smoke and have radon in your home. The damage happens slowly, usually over many years, which is why checking your home sooner rather than later is so important.
How Do You Test for Radon?
Testing for radon is simple. You can buy an inexpensive radon test kit online or at a hardware store. Many health departments also offer them at a low cost. Short-term tests measure the air for a few days, while long-term tests collect data for several months and give a fuller picture of radon levels over time. After the test period ends, you mail the kit to a lab to see whether levels are safe or need attention.
What Do You Do If Your Home Has Radon?
If your home does have high radon levels, there are ways to fix the problem. Radon mitigation systems, usually installed by certified professionals, help vent the gas away from your home before it enters your living space. These systems can significantly lower radon levels and protect your family’s health. Even homes with extremely high readings can be made safer with the right repairs.
Since radon has no smell or warning signs, checking for it is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your home safer. Testing takes only a little effort, and if levels are high, making changes now can help protect the people you love from a serious health risk down the road.
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