It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
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What causes radon in a house?
It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
What are the symptoms of radon?
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.
What problems does radon cause?
How Does Radon Affect Your Health? When you breathe in radon, it gets into the lining of your lungs and gives off radiation. Over a long time, that can damage the cells there and lead to lung cancer. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
What state has the highest 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 in your house is radon most likely?
It sometimes gets concentrated in homes built on soil with natural uranium deposits. It can enter buildings through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires or pumps. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space.
Where is radon most common?
The main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings.
What types of homes have the most radon?
Any home, school or building can have high-levels of radon, including new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. With prolonged exposure, radon may pose a health hazard. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
What type of soil has the most radon?
Granitic type soils present higher levels of radon gas. Non-granitic soils have traditionally been considered to have very low radon levels.
What can throw off a radon test?
Turn off all air moving devices during the test. This would include ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, regular fans, HEPA or any other kind of filtering device that moves air. Do not operate fireplaces or heating stoves during the test unless they are your main source of heat.
How do you cheat a radon test?
How To Pass A Radon Test: Tips For Reducing Radon In Your Home
- Open windows. By opening the windows, you increase fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of radon in the home.
- Install basement vents.
- Use fans.
- Create exits.
- Mitigation.
Does 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.