Frequently Asked Questions

Radon is a dense, radioactive chemical element that exists mainly as a noble gas with the symbol Rn on the periodic table and atomic number 86. It is invisible, colorless, and odorless. Radon gas often accumulates in low-lying areas, such as basements, and exists in many homes and some workplaces and exists undetected by the building’s occupants. Radon gas has been identified as a carcinogen meaning it has been linked as a cause of lung cancer across the country.

Radon gas is a byproduct of the natural decay of uranium and thenradium. These elements can be found naturally in certain types of rock, including granite, igneous, and limestone, as well as in soil and water. Hot springs can also contain high concentrations of radon.

Radon poses the most serious threat to humans when it is inhaled. Radon gas can make its way into a home by seeping through cracks in the foundation. Any pathway that air can take is a potential path for radon, even diffusing straight through solid concrete.

Radon can also be found in water. Although humans are susceptible to ingesting radon by drinking contaminated water, the risk of ingesting significant traces is fairly small. It is also possible to consume radon by eating agricultural products that are grown in radon-contaminated soils, but the risk of eating foods that contain high concentrations of radon is also low.

Without testing, it is almost impossible to detect radon gas because the properties of radon are identifiable by human senses. However, home radon test kits are commonly available at hardware and home improvement stores or online. The self-test kits utilize a device that is placed in the lowest level of the home. After several days, the kit absorbs radon and the kit is sent to a lab to be analyzed. This type of kit is inexpensive and easy to acquire. Long-term radon kits are also available, that collect samples for over a year are also available. Long-term kits are more expensive, but they are also more accurate.

Radon is a cancerous radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon is relieved when uranium decomposes in soil and emits toxins into the home. The toxins found in uranium are made up of particles from the soil, and when breathed, get trapped in the lungs. When these participles build up over time, lung issues can occur. If someone is exposed to this gas and the toxins from radon for a long period of time, the buildup can become cancerous.

Technically, no level of radon gas is safe. The more correct question is what level of radon gas is acceptable according to government health organizations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), any level of radon gas that is at or below 2.7 pCi/L is safe. Consequently, the EPA suggests that a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher is dangerous and radon should be mitigated. A homeowner decides whether a mitigation system should be installed, however, not installing a radon mitigation system at levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher does put everyone in the home at risk.

Radon exposure when people breathe air contaminated with radon over a long period of time. The exposure can cause lasting health problems such as lung cancer. Radon exposure can be deadly if not properly managed. Many people are unaware they are exposed unless they test for it.

Symptoms of radon exposure are similar to those of lung cancer: a persistent cough that doesn’t get better, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pains, wheezing, hoarseness, etc. Many people dismiss these symptoms as common respiratory cold, but often the cause is something worse. Consult a healthcare professional if these symptoms occur.

If your home contains unsafe levels of radon gas, you should have specialists from SWAT Environmental begin radon mitigation as soon as possible. The most effective radon mitigation method is the installation of specialized equipment to extract the gas in your house. SWAT Environmental’s experts will be able to determine the optimal radon mitigation setup for your home.

Yes, radon gas is odorless. It is also tasteless and colorless, which makes the gas relatively invisible to the senses. These characteristics are what allows radon gas to go undetected by homeowners. Testing is the only way to determine if unhealthy levels of radon are present. There are short-term and long-term tests, however short-term tests should be used before mitigation occurs.

The main and most effective way to detect radon gas is to test for it. You can to acquire a test kit at your local hardware store. Test kits should be placed in the lowest, most populated room in the home to have the most accurate results.