- As uranium breaks down in the soil, it releases a radioactive gas called radon. It then travels up through the ground and into the air. It can also get into the water as it makes its way to your well. You won't be able to smell or see it, but it can still be there. As you breathe the tiny radon particles, it gets caught in your lungs and over a period of time the exposure can lead to lung cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General has put out a warning for radon, stating that has become number 2 cause of lung cancer today.
- The gas naturally rises out of the ground. As it rises under your home, it will enter in any way possible, such as cracks in the foundation or slab, or even around your plumbing pipes. It can also enter your home through water, which, when showering or doing laundry, can release even more of the deadly gas into the air. Once the gas is in your home, it is trapped, leaving you to inhale it at unsafe levels. There are areas of the United States that tend to be more prone to radon problems, but it can be found anywhere, and the only way to know if it is a problem in your home is to have your home tested. There are a various test for radon, so make sure to get one that has been approved by the EPA. You can find them at your local home improvement store or have a qualified tester do the test for you (see Resources below).
- If you test your home and find the levels of radon are dangerous, there are some remedies to fix the problem. The most commonly used remedy consists of a series of pipes and fans. It stops the gas from entering your home by giving it an alternative route and blowing it out a vent above the home. The way the problem is fixed will depend on the construction of your home and the result of your test. The estimated price range for these solutions are from $750 to $2,500. Make sure you hire a professional radon contractor. Ask them if they are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency before hiring them to do the job.
