“Radon? What is that?”

Radon is a dangerous, natural gas that is created from the decay of uranium found in the earth’s crust. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon has been known as an odorless and hidden gas carcinogen since 1988. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the United States. Since it is an unpredictable gas, it breaks down and dissolves into the air. However, harmful levels of radon can get into a house. The soil under and around the house is the most common source of radon, but it can also be found in well water, public water, outdoor air, and building materials.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer from exposure to radon:

- Constant cough

- Wheezing (High-pitched whistling noise when you breathe)

- Shortness of breath

- Coughing up blood

- Chest pain

- Bronchitis or pneumonia

- Loss of appetite

- Weight loss

- Fatigue or mood swings

Why is it so dangerous?

According to the National Radon Defense, one reason why radon is so dangerous is that the symptoms can take a while to appear. Since the harmful gas is tasteless, colorless, and odorless you would be unaware that you were being exposed to dangerous radon levels. The American Cancer Society has proven that over 21,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year due to radon exposure.

As a radioactive gas, radon can invade a home through cracks in the foundation floor and walls, through basement floor drains, and through sump openings. Radon gas that enters a home through the basement or crawl space will spread throughout the rest of the home, causing dangerous air at all levels of a home. Radon gas can be present almost anywhere, including in the air you breath outside, but radon levels are much higher inside than outside because the gas gets trapped in the home. 

Call to Action

Since November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to raise awareness about the dangers of radon and how lung cancer caused by radon can be prevented. Our professionals at American Waterworks can perform an inspection and conduct a radon test in your home in as little as two days. You can protect your home by keeping it radon free with our expert radon mitigation services. Call us today at 1-800-795-1204 or click HERE to schedule your radon test and inspection!