What Is Radon Poisoning?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced when radium, uranium, and thorium are broken down in the ground, typically in water, soil, and rock. Since radon gas is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, it can be a huge threat to homeowners who are unaware of its presence in their home. Exposure to high levels of radon can lead to radon poisoning, which can have serious health implications. In this blog, we’re going to talk about radon poisoning and how you can prevent it.

How Are You Exposed?

Radon is produced in the ground and moves up into homes, offices, and other buildings. It is often found in places where ventilation is poor like damp basements or mines and in buildings that are well insulated or very tightly sealed. Some buildings may also be built on soil that contains a lot of radium, thorium, or uranium which can also contribute to the production of radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, around one out of every 15 homes has high levels of radon. In these homes, the basement and first floor contain the highest levels of radon. Symptoms result when the gas is breathed in.

Symptoms Of Radon Poisoning

When radon is breathed in it can cause damage to the cells in your lungs which will eventually lead to lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon in indoor air causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Lung cancer usually results within five to 25 years of high exposure. Some symptoms of radon exposure include a nagging cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

Radon poisoning is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States right behind smoking according to the American Cancer Society, and only about 10 percent of radon-related cancer deaths are non-smokers. People who smoke and are exposed to high levels of radon have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.

What You Can Do

Radon is a serious issue for many homeowners across the United States. If you suspect that you’re experiencing symptoms caused by radon, you should speak to a medical professional immediately. You should also begin testing for radon in your home. Although radon cannot be seen by the naked eye, has no smell or taste, its presence can be detected by a trained home inspector in your area.

Safe Investment Home Inspections is your Top Rated Local® home inspector specializing in radon testing in Denver and the surrounding areas. We are both knowledgeable and skilled in conducting radon testing and believe it to be one of the most important aspects of home and building inspection in Broomfield, Lakewood and across the rest of the Denver Metro area. In addition to our radon testing, we are able to perform full home inspections including mold inspections, thermal imaging, air quality testing, and much more. If you have any questions or you’re ready to get started, contact us today.