Where is Radon Gas Found?

Radon is a naturally occuring and radioactive gas. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to smoking. It enters through the foundation and construction joints, and can be found in any home. In fact, one in three homes in Utah have high radon levels. That means there is a chance that your home has high radon levels and is exposing you and your loved ones to this radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. So where is radon gas found?

Where is radon gas found?

Radon gas is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil rock and water.

• Soil and Rock: uranium is found in all rock and soil. As that uranium decays radon gas is produced.
• Water: Radon from the soil and rocks can move into air and water.
• Natural Gas: If natural gas has been in contact with rock and soil that contains uranium, then radon can remain in the natural gas.

With all these different places that radon gas can be present, how does it enter your home? Radon from the soil and rocks is the MAIN source of indoor radon. It enters the home through cracks, openings and even pores in the concrete foundation. In much smaller amounts, it can also enter through the water supply or be relased into the air when natural gas is burned (ie fireplaces, stoves, etc).

In Utah, radon accounts for up to 70% of the radiation that we are exposed to. Utah has a large percentage of homes that have high radon levels - due to our soil and the fact that many homes have basements. No matter the size, location, layout or age of a home, radon can be present. The only way to detect radon is to perform a radon test. It is recommended to use a certified and licensed professional company to test your home in order to help prevent the risk of contracting lung cancer.

If your home has not been tested for radon gas, fill out the form on this page or call us at 801-871-0715 to request your FREE residential radon test today.