What Are Signs of Radon in Your Home?
Posted in Air Quality, on August 13, 2020
Awareness of radon gas in Ontario homes is growing - and so are questions about what it is, where it comes from, and why it’s so dangerous. One of the defining features of radon gas is that it’s impossible to use our senses to detect it - unlike a natural gas leak, a fire, or a flood, there’s nothing to see, smell, or hear. So how do you know if your home needs radon testing? Read on to learn more!
What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas formed when uranium deep underground begins to break down. It makes its way up to the ground level where it usually dissipates into the atmosphere. However, our homes - and particularly our basements - can attract and collect radon gas, where it can then build up into toxic levels.
How Does Radon Enter my Home?
Radon usually enters your home through below-grade spaces like basements or crawl spaces. As the gas rises through the soil, it can enter through fittings, cracks, or windows. It can also permeate groundwater, and enter through piping, sump pumps, or drains.
Why Should You Be Careful About Radon?
Radon gas is the second most leading cause of lung cancer in North America. But unlike tobacco smoke (which is the leading cause), it’s much more difficult to know if you’re being exposed to it. When radon gas is inhaled, the small radioactive particles release small bursts of energy into the soft tissue of your lungs, damaging the cells. Over time, this damage causes the cells to change and become cancerous.
What Symptoms Does Radon Cause?
Because the lungs are the primary organ to be affected by radon gas, many of the early symptoms of exposure include:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent cough
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
How Do I Know If My Home is Affected?
The best way to know whether your home has dangerous levels of radon gas is to have a home radon test. The test is passive but usually takes a few months to complete - radon gas levels can change with the seasons and weather, so it’s important to take a long term sample for accuracy. While DIY testing kits are available, we do recommend working with a professional - radon tests require specific siting to ensure that you get the best and most accurate results.
Test Your GTA Home for Radon
At SafeAir, we have more than a decade of specialization in radon testing and indoor air quality testing. If your home does test positive for dangerous amounts of radon gas, SafeAir is able to suggest a number of different abatement strategies that you can put into place to reduce your risk. Other common indoor air quality issues like asbestos, mold, allergens, and VOCs can be picked up with more comprehensive testing - for more information on radon testing and indoor air quality, get in touch with us online or by telephone at 416-414-5690.