What is Radon and Why It is Dangerous
Radon is a radioactive cancer-causing gas. It is a naturally occurring gas that you cannot see, taste, nor smell. The EPA and The Surgeon General estimate that Radon leads to the deaths of 20,000 - 21,000 people per year. Radon is classified in the highest group (Group A) as a known human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Radon comes from natural deposits of uranium in the soil and is found everywhere in the world which means any building has the potential for elevated levels of radon. Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. The following is a must watch video that takes a deep look into the science of Radon and how it effects your DNA.
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How Radon Enters Your HomeThe level or radon in a home depends on how easily the radon can be transported into the building through the soil, permeability, pathways and openings into the building. Building vacuums (stack effect) or soil pressures cause air from the soil to enter through foundation openings. Soil gas enters all buildings. If there is radon in the soil, radon enters with the soil gas. This is the most common entry point. |