Do you know what radon is? Radon is a radioactive and carcinogenic gas. It formed naturally from the decay of uranium. It causes serious health problems when inhaled in great concentrations over an extended period. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers across the US.
This blog post will discuss how radon can infiltrate your home and how to prevent it from becoming a problem.
Ways Radon Can Infiltrate Your Home
As we mentioned before, radon comes from the radioactive decay of uranium deep beneath us. Radon seeps its way, trying to reach the surface up to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, our homes get in the way of radon, and it builds up to dangerous levels, which is terrible news for us.
The main ways radon finds its way to our homes are:
Foundation Cracks
Radon infiltrates through cracks in the foundation or other openings. As described above, radon seeps through the soil until it reaches the surface. The problems start when radon accumulates in poorly ventilated areas, such as basements or crawl spaces.
Seep Through Wall Gaps
Radon can seep through small gaps in our walls or flooring, reaching our living spaces. Since it’s imperceptible to human senses, radon can accumulate for an extended period, putting those living in it at significant risk. This risk is even higher during winter.
Well Water Pipelines
Our water supply can be a pathway for radon to infiltrate our home. Water Wells contaminated with radon gas carry it through the pipelines. Radon gas fills our spaces every time water is used at home.
Building Materials
Some building materials, such as granite, contain small amounts of uranium that can release radon gas. They do not pose a considerable threat, but it’s essential to be aware of them.
Keep Your Home Safe By Installing A Radon Mitigation System
Keep your home radon free by installing a radon mitigation system. This system will create a barrier that won’t allow radon to enter your home. It’s crucial to install it with a certified expert like Radon Control Services.
At Radon Control Service, we have over 20+ years of helping families all over St. Louis, MO, keep radon gas under control. Our experts can quickly provide solutions to your radon problems. Get in touch with us to learn more about our radon mitigation services