What are Radon Symptoms?

Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas that becomes concentrated when trapped indoors. It is specifically caused by the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium and radium in soil and rock. Outdoors, radon is typically not harmful, as it is typically found in lower levels in the atmosphere and even in some water sources. When present indoors, at above recommended levels, it could pose a serious, long-term threat for all occupants of a household or property. Testing for radon is very important since there are no radon symptoms until potentially severe lung damage has occured.

Like carbon monoxide, radon is difficult to detect. According to the EPA, it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die from radon-caused lung cancer each year, with close to 3,000 deaths among people who have never smoked.

Regular inhalation of higher than recommended radon gas has been linked to cell damage, which could induce the onset of lung cancer. Radon exposure does not lead to health issues overnight. It may take anywhere from five to twenty-five years for symptoms related to radon exposure to become obvious.

Radon tests are the only way to know if corrective action is necessary for your home, school, or commercial property. There are various types of tests and detector kits. A screening, such as QuickScreen, is designed to screen your home for a few days giving a quick indicator of radon level concern. Rapidos is more comprehensive and will measure radon levels from 10 to 90 days. The most accurate radon tests are long-term, like Radtrak³ and are designed to test for several months or even up to a year to measure the fluctuations in radon that weather and lifestyle may affect. Tests are usually carried out on the lowest level of the home, such as the basement, where soil and rock decay, producing radon gas, which leaks into the home through foundation cracks and sump pump pits.

To learn more about where to test see Where Should a Radon Test Be Placed?

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L. The EPA strongly encourages corrective action, such as installation of a mitigation system, if radon levels are at or greater than 4.0 pCi/L. The World Health Organization or WHO, encourages taking corrective action if levels are 2.7 pCi/L. It is estimated that one of every 15 homes has elevated radon levels in the United States, however in some regions, 1 out of 3 homes is the average. Ultimately, knowing a property's radon level compared to national and international standards empowers the owner to comfortably take action to ensure a safe environment and healthy indoor air quality.

If testing indicates elevated levels of radon in your home, typically a mitigation system is recommended. Radon reduction practices consist of increasing ventilation in the lower levels, either passively or actively. When performed correctly, these systems can help reduce levels in your home up to 99 percent. Professionally installed mitigation systems cost an average of $1,200 to install, but are well worth the investment compared to health problems that could arise as a result of radon poisoning.

Though you may have elevated radon levels detected in your basement does not mean that avoiding the basement area will eliminate any potential exposure. If your HVAC system and return ducts are located in your basement, elevated levels of radon will circulate throughout your home when the heat or air conditioning is powered on. This underscores the importance of testing your property and taking appropriate action if radon gas levels are reported above the recommended safe level.