As a homeowner, you want your family members to be healthy and safe. If you haven’t recently ordered a radon test, schedule one with a professional. Here are some things you should know about radon in your home.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is formed from the breakdown of uranium and other radioactive materials underground. Over time, radon can seep up through the soil and into your home or well water.

Why Do I Need a Radon Test?

Because there’s no way to detect this gas with our senses, it’s necessary to order a professional test to see if your home has unhealthy levels of radon.

There are maps available from the EPA showing which counties throughout the United States tend to have higher radon levels. This information may show your home is in an area with a higher than average concentration of radon gas. However, the map will not be able to provide information about the amount of radon in your home.

Levels of radon are different from city to city, neighborhood to neighborhood, and house to house. Even though your neighbor lives on the lot next door, his test results do not apply to your home. Safe levels in your house do not mean the house down the street doesn’t have dangerous levels of radon.

Dangers of Radon in the Home

Radon is a concern in our living spaces because it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking. Because radon gas is a byproduct of the breakdown of radioactive materials, it is especially dangerous in our bodies. When you breathe in radon, the radioactive particles affect the cells in your lungs. Over time and with exposure to the gas, you are at risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon exposure produces no immediately obvious symptoms and often the only way you’ll know you’ve been exposed is with a diagnosis of lung cancer.

Contact a radon professional for testing services. If your results indicate unsafe levels of the gas, a professional will work with you to mitigate the problem and improve air quality in your home.

Carolinas Premier Inspections offers home inspections, and other services, to customers in the Charlotte, NC area. If you’re concerned about radon in your home, contact us to request professional testing.