Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that naturally forms as uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It can enter a home through cracks in floors and foundations, construction joints, sump openings, gaps around pipes and other small pathways. Once inside, it can accumulate in the air we breathe, particularly in lower levels of a home.
But what actually happens once radon enters the body?
It starts with breathing. When you inhale air containing radon, the gas travels into your lungs. Most of the radon itself is simply breathed back out. The bigger concern comes from what happens as radon breaks down.
Radon produces short-lived radioactive particles called radon progeny. These particles can attach to dust and other airborne particles and become lodged in the airways of the lungs. As they continue to decay, they release alpha particles, a form of radiation that can damage the DNA of cells lining the lungs. Repeated exposure and accumulated cellular damage can eventually contribute to the development of lung cancer.
This is why radon is considered a long-term health concern rather than an immediate danger. There is no smell, irritation, coughing or other warning sign that tells you you’re being exposed. Lung cancer resulting from exposure can take years to develop.
The risk increases with higher radon levels and longer exposure. Smoking or a history of smoking can increase the risk substantially; however, radon can also cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
How to Know if You’re Exposed to Radon
The good news? Testing is simple and the only way to know how much radon is in your home—and here in Longmont, it can be free. The Longmont Public Library offers radon detectors that residents can check out, making it easier to learn what’s happening in the air inside your home.
The EPA recommends taking action when indoor radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), while noting that there is no known completely safe level of exposure.
What If My Home’s Radon Levels Are Too High?
Don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems can draw radon from beneath a home and vent it safely outdoors, substantially reducing indoor concentrations. Certified, state-licensed radon professionals are qualified to install or repair these systems.
Sometimes protecting your family’s health starts with testing something you can’t see, smell or feel. A simple radon test can be an important step toward protecting your family’s long-term health.
Keep Your Home’s Radon Levels Low
Our team at Mile High Radon Control is ready to repair or install your radon mitigation system and help keep your home’s air safer. We are certified by both the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program, and we guarantee 100% success in reducing your home’s radon levels below the EPA recommended standard. To schedule your consultation, call (720) 220-4063.
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