Should You Be Concerned About Rising Radon Levels?

Health and well-being are often one of the most neglected factors. Most people neglect their health until a severe medical condition arises. While there are several causes behind declining health, radon continues to be the top concerning factor many people do not know about. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that could significantly harm your health. Radon is the second most common cause of cancer after smoking. Not only does radon increase the chances of lung cancer, but it affects multiple aspects of our lives. One must consider a home radon test to avoid being affected by radon levels. 

What are radon levels? 

Radon is a radioactive gas that could seep into your home. Radon can be found when radioactive elements like uranium melt. Radon levels can quickly increase in the atmosphere of a house. For instance, improper ventilation can increase radon levels. 

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A picocurie per liter is a measure to determine how many picocuries of radon can be found in one liter of air. No radon level is safe for our health. Radon exposure altogether is dangerous. It is advisable and recommended to have the lowest radon levels possible.  

Why should I be concerned about higher radon levels? 

Radon generally seeps into a house from the soil or the foundation of a home. For example, a place with a dirt crawl space is likely to have maximum radon exposure potential. Contrary to what people might believe, a house with a tight concrete foundation can attract high radon levels. You should also know that radon levels can vary significantly over 24 hours. 

Radon levels can differ depending on each day you conduct a radon test or measure the levels. The main concern with being exposed to radon for a long time is that it could increase the chances of lung cancer. It would be in your best interest to pay attention to radon levels and ensure they do not rise. 

What factors contribute to higher radon levels? 

Besides the primary concern of radon levels, it is essential that you know which factors increase the radon levels. Certain aspects can change or manipulate radon levels which are listed below for your reference. 

1. Weather 

Weather plays a crucial role in varying radon levels. For instance, changing temperatures and strong winds can likely create fluctuating radon levels in your house. Odd weather can affect the pressure difference between ground air and indoor air. Such a factor is essential as radon leaks into the home from ground air. 

2. Ventilation 

Ventilation can have a massive impact on radon levels. One should frequently open all the windows and doors in their home to ensure that radon is released out of the house with the airflow. Otherwise, radon levels can cause suffocation and result in a significant health toll.