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How does radon get into a house?
Radon in homes is a potential health hazard. Radon occurs naturally, and we are at constant risk of exposure. To reduce radon to safe levels at home, one needs radon mitigation experts in Utah. It is also vital to understand how radon enters our homes. Most radon tests in salt lake city Utah test for air quality, but did you know that your water source can affect test results? This post highlights the two main ways radon gets in our homes.
Radon in Soil
Radon is a radioactive element produced as a by-product of the radioactive decay of uranium and radium. Uranium is present in mineral compounds of some rocks in the soil. The uranium in these rocks naturally decays to give radon gas. Radon gas seeps out of the air and into the atmosphere.
Cement is a porous material, and radon can pass through it. It worsens if there are cracks in your foundation. The difference in pressure caused by home appliances such as dryers, water heaters, and fans facilitates the diffusion to low-pressure regions.
Open drains and sumps are outlets for radon gas to get into your building.
Radon gas is capable of passing through your basement, slab foundation, and your crawlspace. Sealing cracks is not enough to mitigate radon release. For safety and protection, you need Radon mitigation experts in Utah.
Radon in Water.
Radon accumulates in groundwater, especially if the water passes through granite or gravel formation. Surface water such as rivers,lakes, and reservoirs have safe levels of radon.
When you shower or wash with water, the radon escapes from the water to the air. The gas diffuses and eventually leaves the house. High levels of radon in water can significantly increase radon exposure- This depends on your home’s water usage and the number of occupants. For instance, water with 10,000 pCi/L can raise the average home radon levels by a unit of 1.
If you use a private well or the source of your municipal water is underground, you should check if the radon levels are safe.
Signs of radon at home.
Radon is impossible to detect by our human senses, it is odorless and colorless. Symptoms of prolonged exposure or radon poisoning can manifest in a few ways. Symptoms of radon poisoning include:
- Respiratory infections
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
The most severe sign of radon poisoning, unfortunately, is lung cancer. Radon poisoning is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.