Radon Precautions

Radon is a dangerous atomic gas found in many homes across the northwestern part of the world. It is caused by deposits of radioactive geology and by certain kinds of building materials. Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States, after cigarette smoking, of course. Although it happens slowly and is relatively rare, every precaution should be taken to avoid radon poisoning in your home, particularly if you intend to raise your children there. Small children are often on the floor where radon, since it is a heavy particle, accumulates. Moreover, prolonged exposure, such as that of a person’s entire childhood, increases the possibility of being effected by radon.

If you are purchasing a home it is prudent to ask the realtor if a test has been done to detect radon accumulation. If not, ask for one to be scheduled or have one conducted yourself. Even if you are buying a lot on which you plan to build a brand new structure, precautions must be taken, as underground geological deposits can be significant sources of radon gas. Since the radon is an invisible and odorless gas, special radon tests are required to detect even heavy buildup of radon. The good news is, once the source of the gas is found, it quickly dissipates as the half-life, that is the time it takes for half the radon gas to decay once is only four days. The bad news is the decay continues in this four day cycle for many years as does the risk of negative effects.

If you are very concerned about radon gas it would probably be best to hire a trained technician to test your home for radon gas. However, do-it-yourself radon tests are available in some hardware stores and on-line. They are generally a less expensive route for those of us who are less pensive and more curious or just cautious. There are various tests and they are called by several different names, but all perform essentially the same function. Whether you choose a charcoal canister, an alpha track detector or an E-Perm, you must send away to get the test results from a lab at your own expense of perhaps up to one hundred dollars for each of the two required tests. It is recommended to perform radon gas tests on all homes annually.

If you are concerned about radon gas in a space you already own, there are some simple precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. First, seal and caulk any cracks in the basement floor and walls. Even painting the basement floor can be a way to eliminate entry points for radon. Since the gas is often released by an underground source, a sealed basement goes a long way to protecting yourself from negative effects. And remember that testing your home annually is the only way to know if a problem exists or has developed.

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