Do you know if your home is safe from high radon levels? Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and Mainers may be of particularly high risk. According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, one in three homes in Maine has elevated levels of radon. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to be informed and test your home for unsafe levels.
What is radon?
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally outdoors. It’s produced as a decay product of the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. Radon can enter homes built on soil with natural uranium deposits through cracks in the floors, walls, foundations, as well as around pipes, wires, or pumps. Radon levels are highest in basements or crawl spaces. It is also possible for radon to enter your home through water supply, though this poses a much lower risk.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the average radon level in the U.S. is about 1.3 picocuries per liter. One in every 15 homes has an elevated level of radon, which is about 4 picocuries (which is the equivalent of smoking 8 cigarettes per day).
The health effects of radon
When someone breathes in radon gas, it goes into their lungs, exposing them to small amounts of radiation. This may damage cells in the lining of the lungs and increases a person’s risk for lung cancer. The risk increases according to the amount of time you have been exposed. Not only can radon lead to cancer, but there is cellular and chromosomal damage that may occur with exposure. Additionally, children are more susceptible to the health effects of radon. Since radon is odorless and there are no current medical tests to determine whether you have been exposed to the gas, you should keep an eye out for symptoms. These symptoms include shortness of breath, new or worsening cough, coughing up blood, pain or tightness in the chest, dizziness, and hoarseness or trouble swallowing.
How do I test my home for radon?
You can hire a professional tester or use a do-it-yourself kit. Affordable radon home testing kits are available through state programs. If your home levels are high, you will need a mitigation system installed. This involves a vent pipe system with a fan that pulls the radon from underneath your home and vents it outside.
If you think you have been exposed to radon and you are a smoker, the first step is to stop smoking. You should speak to your healthcare professional about a low dose screening CT scan that can detect early-stage lung cancer before it spreads.
By knowing your risk to exposure and following proper precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of radon.
For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/radon For State of Maine test kits, go to: Maine Private Well and Radiological Water and Air Test