Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium decays in soil. It enters our home and the radioactive element can damage the DNA inside our cells. In fact, radon accounts for up to 70% of the radioactivity that Utah residents are exposed to. Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. As you can see, it's important to test your home for radon, and as temperatures drop its important to know that radon levels increase during winter.
There are a few reasons that that radon levels increase during winter. First it has to do with the air in our homes not being ventilated. Windows and doors are shut for several months, which can trap the radon in our homes and let it build to dangerous levels.
Another reason is because a pressure differential is created because the air pressure inside is usually lower than outside. This creates a vacuum type effect that pulls radon gas into your home through any possible opening, and it gets stronger during the winter.
Winter is the perfect time to have your home tested for radon. The longer you are exposed and the higher the levels, the higher the risk. If your levels come back elevated, you should install a radon mitigation system immediately.
Do not delay in testing your home for radon. Especially now, because radon levels increase during winter. Remember that high radon levels can be found in any home in Utah. Let Utah Radon Services test your home for free this holiday season. Simply fill out the form on this page or call us at 801-870-0715.
If you have discovered or are worried about a radon problem in your home, you may be looking into methods to reduce radon. There are several radon reduction techniques available to you, but we should first review why radon reduction is important. What Is radon gas and why is it dangerous? As uranium in soil […]
Radon is a radioactive gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. In the United States, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have strong stances about radon […]
Radon mitigation systems can be installed in a house to reduce radon levels, but what about condos and townhomes? Before we get into the details, let’s first understand what radon is and how it enters a home. What Is Radon? Radon gas is a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas that occurs when uranium in soil decays. This […]
