The Truth Behind 2 Misconceptions You May Have Heard About Radon
While perusing the news or internet articles, you may have heard about the dangers of radon buildup and how it's a contributing factor in the development of lung cancer. However, you may have also come across some misinformation that keeps you from believing it could ever happen in your house or adversely affect your household. If so, here is the truth behind a couple of misconceptions you may have heard about radon.
1. Radon Can Only Affect Older Homes
One misconception that you may have about radon is that it only affects older homes. You may think that a house with an older furnace and old, decaying building materials is more likely to have a buildup of radon gas and that newer homes do not have this issue.
However, radon gas is a byproduct in the natural world. Rocks, the soil, and other organic matter emit it, which means that even new houses can be affected if the ground on which they rest is emitting the gas. Even if you have a brand new home, it is still a good idea to have it tested.
2. Radon Is Easily Detectable When It's in Your House
Another misconception you may have about radon is that that if it is in your house, you will know it. You may think that your household members would start to have various symptoms, such as coughing or allergic reactions, that would alert you to its presence. It would be at this point that you would take action to detect and get rid of it.
However, unlike other environmental hazards like mold or carbon monoxide, radon gas has no odor or color, and it has no immediate effect on humans. If high amounts are breathed in over time, it works slowly and increases the risk of lung cancer.
Since you cannot detect radon gas with your senses or through observations of your and your family's health, you should have your home tested for its presence. You can either do this test yourself and send it away for fast results or hire a professional to perform the test for you.
Whether you have just moved into a new house or have been living in the same home for years, you should have your home tested. If the gas is detected in your home, contact a radon mitigation service to discuss your options for clearing it out and preventing its buildup in the future.