Think about it, you might be inhaling those small particles right now. have you coughed alot lately? It could be your body trying to throw them out. But a few are resilient enough to settle down in your lungs. Did you know that radon gas is one of the largest causes of lung cancer in the US? Are you in danger? Save yourself, save your family. Most often, radon creeps in the basements because that is where it slithers from. It leaves its underground home to seep in through the pipes and cracks into your basement or any lower level area.
Don't panic, radon levels are usually low enough so as not to threat your health. But still, it is a good idea that you get your house checked for radon levels (it is a must if you live in a "high radon level" marked area). Radon is created by the breaking down of the radioactive radium. Radon particles gather with dust which is then inhaled by us. Entering our breathing stream, radon can become a major health hazard.
Testing Radon Level
There are various scientific ways for testing the radon levels in your house. Small and quick tests are, however, not that accurate. Therefore, it is advisable that you spend a little amount of money (not more than $5-30) and get your house scientifically and accurately checked. Usually, a test device is set in the house for a prescribed amount of time and then it is sent to the lab. The lab surveys the sample and determines the radon level in your house. This analysis can help you judge whether the radon present is in a potentially harmful quantity. If you don't want to wait for three months or so for a precise radon check, then you have the option of taking a computerised test. This is almost immediate and accurate, but expensive.
What To Do?
What should you do if Radon is found to be in dangerous quantity in your living area? It is most definitely a matter of immediate concern. But don't panic, you might don't have to move out of your house. Corrective measures can be undertaken to solve the problem.
Since it is the pipes and the cracks through which radon seeps in from underground, get those rectified. Fill in the gaps in the basement. Then, radon, if diluted in air, is reduced to such low amounts that it becomes almost non-existent. So, proper ventilation is the key. If you're getting yourself a new house, these are some things that you can check out for. Good Luck!
