What causes radon gas to form?

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What causes radon gas to form?

Radon comes from the breakdown of naturally-occurring radioactive elements (such as uranium and thorium) in soils and rocks. As part of the radioactive decay process, radon gas is produced. In some cases, radon can enter buildings through well water and come from building materials.

What are 3 interesting facts about radon?

6 Facts About Radon

  • Radon is radioactive. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
  • Radon causes cancer. Breathing radon can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
  • No immediate symptoms.
  • You must test for radon.
  • Radon is present indoors and outdoors.
  • Radon can build up in any building.

Does radon gas float or sink?

This makes radon eight times heavier than air (222/28). For comparison, iron is eight times heavier than water and quickly sinks. That’s why this heavy gas tends to accumulate in mines and in people’s basements. Unlike oxygen or nitrogen molecules, radon is a single atom gas.

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Does radon sink or rise?

Radon and other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the building. The trapped gases build up pressure. Air pressure inside homes is usually lower than the pressure in the soil.

Where is radon most commonly found?

Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor. Radon concentrations vary considerably between adjacent buildings, as well as within a building from day to day and from hour to hour.

Is it OK to live in a house with radon?

The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.

Why radon is so important?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are at risk of high radon exposure.

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Can radon travel upstairs?

Radon is known to be a heavy gas. Please understand that the radon level can be significantly higher on an upper floor. Even if the radon level is lower on the first floor than say a basement radon level, it could be higher on the second floor. The only way to know is if you test.

Does radon spread throughout the house?

Radon can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, through well water, and via building materials, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says. It’s common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what’s considered an elevated radon level.

Does radon cause anxiety?

While one researcher has found that residents in Orange County, N.J., seemed unconcerned about living in areas of high radon concentration, she points out that the level of anxiety is likely to increase as they become more aware of the potential health threat.

What houses are more likely to have radon?

No particular style of home is more likely to have a radon problem; including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, or homes without basements.

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What areas are prone to radon?

Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:

  • Alaska (10.7)
  • South Dakota (9.6)
  • Pennsylvania (8.6)
  • Ohio (7.8)
  • Washington (7.5)
  • Kentucky (7.4)
  • Montana (7.4)
  • Idaho (7.3)

What are facts about radon?

Radon Facts. Thus, radon is considered a significant contaminant to indoor air quality. There is a clear link between breathing high concentrations of radon and incidence of lung cancer. After smoking, radon is the 2nd most frequent cause of lung cancer with over 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the US alone.

Does every home have radon?

Radon is a national environmental health problem. Elevated radon levels have been discovered in every state. The US EPA estimates that as many as 8 million homes throughout the country have elevated levels of radon. Current state surveys show that 1 home in 5 has elevated radon levels.

How common is radon in homes?

Radon is a common problem in homes throughout the country — as many as one in 15 U.S. homes has high levels of radon, according to the EPA. But certain geographic regions are more likely to be affected.