What are Radon Symptoms?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that becomes hazardous when concentrated indoors. It forms from the decay of radioactive elements such as uranium and radium found in soil and rock. While radon levels outdoors are typically low and harmless, indoor accumulation can pose a significant long-term health risk to occupants. Radon is both odorless and invisible, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. Regular radon testing is essential because symptoms of exposure often remain undetectable until severe lung damage has occurred.

Prolonged inhalation of elevated radon levels can lead to cellular damage in the lungs, increasing the risk of lung cancer. However, the health effects of radon exposure are not immediate. It may take anywhere from five to twenty-five years for symptoms to manifest, making early detection through testing critical for preventing long-term harm.

 Radon exposure symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Wheezing or hoarseness

Often, these symptoms are mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. For instance, radon exposure symptoms overlap with conditions like COPD (common in smokers), asthma (episodic triggers), and tuberculosis (often accompanied by fever and weight loss). Unlike these illnesses, radon exposure is typically silent for years. In fact, many cases of radon exposure are asymptomatic until significant damage occurs. Regular testing is the only way to identify elevated or dangerous levels and mitigate risks early.

While radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, long-term exposure may also increase risks for kidney cancer and leukemia, as radioactive particles can affect other tissues over time. Radon particles inhaled into the lungs emit radiation that damages lung tissue and alters DNA, leading to cancerous cell growth.

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?

A radon risk assessment identifies exposure levels and potential radon accumulation areas. The process typically includes:

• Initial Screening: Short-term tests like QuickScreen assess immediate concerns.
• Comprehensive Testing: Long-term tests such as Radtrak³ monitor fluctuations over months.

Homeowners can take several steps to test for radon using accessible DIY tools and kits. The first step is choosing the right test. Short-term tests are ideal for obtaining quick results, while long-term tests provide more detailed data about radon levels over extended periods. Once the appropriate test is selected, proper placement of detectors is crucial. Lastly, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to achieve reliable results and actionable data.

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 radon levels are elevated, you should:

• Confirm results with follow-up tests. 
• Consult certified radon mitigation specialists for tailored solutions. 
• Install mitigation systems like sub-slab depressurization or improved ventilation. 
• Retest to verify effectiveness of the radon mitigation system. 

 DIY methods are effective for initial testing, but professional inspections offer deeper insights and custom strategies. Regular testing and timely action are key to protecting against radon-related health risks. Combining DIY and professional efforts provides lasting peace of mind.

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 are well worth the investment compared to health problems that could arise as a result of radon exposure. Mitigation costs are relatively low to most home improvement or repair costs.

Though you may have elevated radon levels detected in your basement, it does not mean that avoiding the basement area will eliminate any potential radon gas 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.

There are also radon-resistant construction techniques to consider like vapor barriers and venting systems. These help prevent radon entry during home construction. Building materials such as concrete and brick influence radon penetration based on their permeability. Using radon-resistant materials during construction can reduce radon entry. Additionally, proper installation of barriers and drainage systems enhances the effectiveness of these materials.