In many ways, your household is the safest place for you to be; however, you may find yourself facing a very harmful intruder, invisible to the naked eye. You may be at risk for radon exposure without even realizing it. To understand this danger and how to prevent it, you first should understand where radon comes from. But, where does radon come from?
What Is Radon and Where Does Radon Come From?
Where does radon come from? The earth!
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that crawls its way up from the soil we walk on into the air we breathe. As uranium down below begins to break down, it releases gas, which begins to trickle its way upwards through the soil and rocks and often eventually into your home. The concentration of radon in your home or your area depends on specific geological conditions, making some areas more prone to elevated levels than others.
The Beginnings
Uranium is a naturally occurring, usable element that decays over time, triggering a reaction that leads to the creation of radon gas. Some rocks, such as limestone or granite, carry more of this elemental substance, releasing it periodically over time. While this is a naturally occurring event, it is one that can cause many health problems for you and anyone else living in the home.
Migrating Upwards
Unfortunately, radon does not stay within the confines of soil; it finds pathways through air pockets and fissures in the ground to migrate towards the soil’s surface. Similarly to exhaling, radon manages to push its way through the surface into the air we breathe or waterways nearby.
Radon Infiltrating Our Homes
Unknowingly, due to homes making direct contact with the ground, radon can enter our homes through tiny imperfections in the home’s foundation or improper sealing in the windows. In certain areas where the radon concentration is higher, it is more likely to amplify the amount of this dangerous gas penetrating your house!
Other Sources Of Radon
Shockingly, the air we breathe is not the only carrier for radon gas; water found deep within the Earth can also be tainted. Groundwater sometimes becomes infused with radon, leaching its way into our daily lives through wells, the tap in our home, or deep aeration. If there are large amounts of radon gas pockets within the soil in your area, you’ll potentially face health hazards in the water you need and use!
Testing And Measuring Radon
Fortunately, there are tests to indicate the presence of this invisible threat, and completing an inspection can help find out where radon is coming from. You should also conduct a thorough home inspection that checks for cracks in the foundation, openings in the plumbing, or imperfections in your basement flooring. Additionally, professionals use radon testing kits to measure the levels within your home, particularly in areas nearest the ground, to track the threshold of “normal” and “dangerous” levels.
Alt text: “doctor” using stethoscope concept on roof for “ where does radon come from?”
Alt description: a “doctor” using a black stethoscope on the roof of a home model
Easy Steps To Limit Exposure
Reducing the radon levels around your home doesn’t have to be exceedingly complex; regular home maintenance is a great step in the right direction! Sealing any cracks in the floors or walls, installing additional vents, and ensuring good airflow throughout the home are great ways to limit exposure. Additionally, you may speak with local professionals about installing a radon mitigation system and depressurizing the soil to inhibit the gas from penetrating your home.
Ease Of Mind With Radon Pros
Long-term radon exposure increases the risk for serious health complications, making the need for radon testing more prevalent. With a better understanding of where radon comes from, you can begin taking steps to lower your family’s risk. You can also reach out to the helping hands at Detail View Home Inspections for assistance, giving your home a professional inspection, and properly testing it to ensure the radon (if any) in your home is at a manageable level.