Are Children At Risk From Radon Gas?

Children At Risk From Radon Gas - Radon is a radioactive gas caused when uranium in soil decays. It then enters your home through cracks and pores in the foundation. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, therefore it requires specialized testing to protect your family. But what the effects and are children at risk from radon gas?

Side effects of radon gas

Breathing in radon can cause lung cancer over time. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, just behind smoking. And here is a kicker... adults are not as greatly affected as children. But why?

Children are at Greater Risk than Adults

Because your kids lungs are smaller but their respiratory rates are actually twice as high, they will take in more radon. In fact, one study estimates that  a child will take in twice the amount of radon as an adult does when exposed to the same radon levels over the same amount of time.

Recent research suggests that children who live in homes with high radon levels may have a 21% -63% higher risk of developing childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). That variation is of course, is due to the various radon levels.

So what about pregnancy and radon?

Obviously radiation should be avoided when pregnant - and radon is a radioactive gas. You can't even get X-rays without special gear to protect that growing baby. Radiation risk is even higher to embryos than kids.

Some studies have shown that pregnant women exposed to toxic levels of radon gas run the risk of teratogenic birth defects (those that affect the arms and legs, such as malformation or absence of fingers or limbs.

Obviously with risks like these, it is imperative for the safety of your children, or future children to test your home immediately. Fill out the form on this page or contact the experts at Utah Radon Services to learn more.