- An active radon sump, fitted with a fan, is the most effective way to reduce indoor radon levels.
- Sumps work best under solid floors and under suspended floors if the ground is covered with concrete or a membrane.
- Occasionally, passive sumps without a fan may reduce radon levels.
Besides, How long do you have to be exposed to radon before it becomes a problem? Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop. Early signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: persistent cough.
What season is radon highest?
To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be higher during the winter. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels.
Where is radon most commonly found? Radon is present outdoors and is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in surface water, such as rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as private well water.
Hence, Can radon go through concrete? Radon, soil gasses, and water vapor will easily pass through any openings, cracks, gaps, drains, or thin concrete (rat slabs) in the basement.
What are the first signs of radon poisoning?
A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
Which states have the most radon?
Here are the 10 US States with the highest average 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)
Where is radon most likely to accumulate in a home?
Radon levels are often highest in the lowest part of a home or building, so testing in the basement or first floor is a good place to start. Fix your home if a test shows elevated radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. Find a certified contractor, get cost estimates and fix spaces with an elevated radon level.
What time of year are radon levels highest?
The reason that radon levels in the home can be higher in the summer and winter is two-fold. During the winter, the air in your home tends to be much warmer than the outside air, and this temperature difference creates a vacuum within your home.
Does a dehumidifier reduce radon?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.
How quickly can radon affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.
What causes radon to spike?
Weather – changing temperatures and wind can affect the pressure difference between indoor air and ground air. This is important because radon traditionally leaks into the house from ground air. If temperature differences and wind cause negative pressure in the house, indoor radon levels are likely to increase.
Where are radon levels highest in a house?
Radon levels are often highest in the lowest part of a home or building, so testing in the basement or first floor is a good place to start. Fix your home if a test shows elevated radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. Find a certified contractor, get cost estimates and fix spaces with an elevated radon level.
Can you cheat on a radon test?
Realtors, radon contractors and most home owners are also aware that is is not too difficult to cheat or effect the radon test results in their favor by opening windows or doors or by other means after the inspector or tester leaves the home.
Can blood test detect radon?
There are no symptoms, signs, or laboratory tests that are specific to radon poisoning. There are specialized tests that can detect radon in your urine, bones, and blood, but the results of these tests only tell if you were recently exposed to radon.
What can cause false high radon levels?
A short term test is good at measuring your current radon levels, but these levels can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including:
- Barometric pressure.
- Temperature/Season.
- House construction.
- Rain soaked ground.
- HVAC system.
- Improper placement of the device.
Which state has the most radon?
Alaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L.
…
Here are the 10 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)
How long do you have to be exposed to radon for it to be harmful?
There are no immediate signs or symptoms from breathing in background radon. Repeated exposure over time — around 20 years — can lead to cancer development, especially if you are also a smoker.
How long does it take for radon to affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.
Which creates the greatest radon threat?
For most people, the greatest exposure to radon occurs in the home where people spend much of their time, though indoor workplaces may also be a source of exposure.
