Radon Gas Mythbusters

Radon gas is a real concern but because there is so much "fake news" about it, many people don't realize the true risk of radon gas. So read for radon gas mythbusters edition.

What is radon gas?

There are many common misconceptions about radon but to address them, we need to first understand what radon gas is. Radon gas is a natrually occuring radioactive gas that is created from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, in soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless but actually accounts for up to 70% of the radiation we are exposed to here in Utah. Radon is released into the air and, when outside, disperses without any issues. However, when it enters your home through cracks and pores in the foundation, we start to breath it in. And this is where radon becomes a health concern for you and your family.

Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This is second only to smoking. And if you are smoker living in a house with high radon, your chances of contracting lung cancer go up even higher. And in Utah, chances are 1 in 3 that your home has high radon levels. So with such high numbers and stakes, it is imperative that every home in Utah be tested for radon gas. Before you schedule your free test, lets knock out some of those myths about radon.

Radon Gas Mythbusters Edition

• Myth: New homes do not have radon gas, only old homes. The truth is that any home can have radon problems, whether new or old. What matters is the soil that the home is built on, and how pourous the concrete in the foundation is - and that doesn't change with age.
• Homes without basements do not have radon. Whether your home has a basement or not, it still with have negative presures in the lower part of the home, which is how the radon is pulled up into the home. Again, any home can have a radon problem.
• My neighbors home tested low so mine must be fine too. You should not rely on your neighbors radon test to ensure your families safety. Even if your homes were built at the same exact time, you could have very different radon levels. With free testing available, there is no reason not to test your own home. With 1 in 3 homes in Utah having radon, it just makes sense to test your own home.
• Low levels of radon exposure to radon are harmless. No level of radiation exposure is considered "safe" and should be avoided as much as possible. That being said, there are "action levels" set forth by the EPA and WHO. These can help guide you in deciding if your radon levels are high enough that you need to take action to reduce them. The first step is having your home tested.
• If my home has radon problems it cannot be fixed. Homes all throughout Utah have radon reduction or mitigation systems installed every day. It is a fast and affordable solution to radon in your home. If you have found a high radon problem, simply contact Utah Radon Services to receive a free quote on mitigation.

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