How does Radon Enter a Home? How to Stay Safe and Healthy

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Radon is a gas that is dangerous to breathe. It’s something that all homeowners should be aware of because it can easily enter your home if you’re not careful. This blog post answers the question of how does radon enter a home and what you can do to prevent it. Stay safe and healthy!

What is Radon and why is it dangerous to breathe?

You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but radon is a dangerous gas that is found in many homes. Radon occurs naturally when uranium breaks down in the soil, and it can seep into homes. Once inside, radon can build up to high levels and pose a serious health risk.

The gas is Associated with lung cancer, and exposure to high levels of radon can increase your risk of developing the disease. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

If you’re concerned about radon in your home, there are tests that you can take to measure the level of gas present. And if you find that radon levels are high, there are ways to mitigate the problem and protect your family from this invisible threat.

How does Radon enter a home?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in rock and soil. One way that radon can enter a home is through cracks in the foundation or walls. The gas can also seep through gaps around pipes or other openings.

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Once inside, radon can build up to dangerous levels, particularly if the home is poorly ventilated.

For example, if your home has a closed-off floor plan or if it’s located in an area with high radon levels, you may be at greater risk for exposure.

For more information about radon, go to: https://www.epa.gov/radon.

What you can do to prevent Radon from entering your home

Radon is also a known carcinogen, and long-term exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent radon from entering your home.

First, have your home tested for radon levels. If the levels are high, you may need to install a radon mitigation system.

If you’re concerned about radon levels in your home, the first step is to have it tested. If the levels are high, you may need to install a radon mitigation system. Here’s how:

1. Call a radon mitigation specialist and schedule an appointment.

2. The specialist will come to your home and test the air for radon levels. 

3. If the levels are high, they will recommend a mitigation system. 

4. The system will typically involve installing a fan and pipe system that ventilates the air and prevents radon from accumulating indoors. 

5. The specialist will install the system and regularly maintain it to ensure that it’s working properly.

You can also seal cracks and openings in your foundation to help prevent radon gas from seeping into your home.

Here’s how:

  1. Start by identifying any cracks or openings in your foundation
  2. Next, clean the area around the crack with a wire brush
  3. Once the area is clean, apply a sealant to the crack
  4. Finally, use a piece of tape to secure the sealant in place and prevent further leakage
  5. Repeat this process for any other cracks or openings in your foundation.
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By sealing these cracks and openings, you will help to prevent radon gas from seeping into your home.

FAQ

Does opening windows reduce radon?

It can, but it’s not a foolproof method. The best way to reduce radon levels in your home is to install a radon mitigation system.

How much does a radon mitigation system cost?

The cost of a radon mitigation system depends on the size and layout of your home. In most cases, the system will cost between $500 and $2000.

When should I test for radon?

There is no definitive answer, but the EPA recommends testing for radon every 2 years.

What are the symptoms of radon poisoning?

Radon poisoning can cause a number of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from radon poisoning.

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Lori Ballen, REALTOR®

Lori Ballen, Realtor

Hi! I’m Lori Ballen REALTOR®. My team serves the Greater Las Vegas area from Summerlin to Boulder City, and everything in between. You can reach us at 702-604-7739.

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