What triggers radon?

Radon gas forms naturally when radioactive metal (radium, thorium or uranium) breaks down in rocks, soil or groundwater. It evaporates and disappears outdoors, so levels outside are low. Indoors, however, radon gas can enter buildings through their foundations and become trapped.

What causes high levels of radon?

One of the leading causes of high radon gas levels in a home is the natural radioactive decay of uranium. Uranium can be found in soil, rocks and water. As uranium decays, it releases radon gas into the atmosphere. If your home foundation built on soil containing radon, it enters the home and become a health hazard.

Where is radon most likely to accumulate in a home?





Without proper ventilation, radon can accumulate in indoor spaces, including your home, office, school, etc.
A.

  • Exposed soil (in a sump or crawl space)
  • Loose-fitting pipe penetrations.
  • Building materials (brick, concrete, rock, etc.)
  • Well water.

What are sources of radon in the home?

The main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings. Rock and soil produce radon gas. Building materials, the water supply, and natural gas can all be sources of radon in the home. Basements allow more opportunity for soil gas entry than slab-on-grade foundations.

How do I lower radon in my basement?

Other Ways to Reduce Radon

  1. Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. …
  2. Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.

Does opening windows reduce radon?





As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.

Is it OK to live in a house with radon?

However, because radon isn’t safe at any level, they also suggest treating homes with radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. According to the EPA, the average radon gas concentration in a home is about 1.3 pCi/L, which does not pose an appreciable risk to most residents living in the house.

What are the first signs of radon poisoning?

A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.

  • Persistent cough.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Wheezing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Chest pain.
  • Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Loss of appetite.

How do you reduce radon in a home?

Improving indoor ventilation
One of the simplest ways to dilute moderate levels of radon is to increase the indoor ventilation by installing wall vents or window trickle vents. This can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 50%.

How does radon enter basements?



It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem.

Which of the following is most likely the source of the radon found in a house quizlet?

In most homes the main source of elevated radon levels is: the soil. Indoor Radon levels are always higher during the winter months (November through March) than any other time of year.

How common is radon in homes?

one out of every 15 homes



Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.

Does a dehumidifier get rid of radon?

No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.

Does radon go through concrete?

Radon, soil gasses, and water vapor will easily pass through any openings, cracks, gaps, drains, or thin concrete (rat slabs) in the basement.

Does running furnace fan reduce radon?

In many homes, blowing air in through an existing central furnace is quite practical. The use of an exhaust fan to pull air out of the house may decease the interior air pressure and draw more radon inside.

What season are radon levels highest?



winter

To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be higher during the winter. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels.

Does rain effect radon?

Certain types of weather can have a greater impact on your home’s radon levels. Wind and rain storms create the largest variables of radon levels when testing for radon gas. Rainier days tend to result in noticeably higher radon levels. This is because rainy days are often coupled with lower barometric pressure.

Which of the following is the best way to prevent radon from entering a home?

Seal and caulk all cracks in your foundation and walls. Not only will this help prevent entry of radon, but it’ll add to the energy efficiency of your home. Run a three to four-inch gas-tight pipe from the first layer or crawlspace to the roof. This will safely vent gases from the soil to the outside.

Which type of foundation has no risk of radon gas?



Earth-based building materials such as solid stone materials, cast concrete, concrete masonry, brick, and adobe ordinarily are not significant sources of indoor radon.

Do air purifiers reduce radon?

Yes, air purifiers help with radon gas reduction to some extent. The air purifiers with activated carbon filter technology are highly effective in trapping radon gas.