Health Effects of Radon
Just because we cannot see, smell or taste radon in our air, does not mean it is not present. Radon testing needs to be done to obtain accurate radon levels. At Sunstate Radon Testing, we offer radon testing at affordable prices. We also provide information to our clients on the health effects of radon. When our clients understand the health effects of radon, then they realize how important testing and mitigation of radon is. Call us today and find out more about the health effects of radon.
What is radon?
As mentioned before, radon is a radioactive gas that is released into the atmosphere when uranium is broken down from rock and soil. This radioactive gas is known as radon. Radon has no smell or taste, and it is also invisible. So, as humans, we cannot detect radon in the atmosphere until we have a radon test done in our homes or businesses. Unfortunately, if radon testing is not done, and there is radon in the air, it will have health effects which if not detected can have devasting effects such as a person developing lung cancer.
How it enters our bodies
Radon mainly enters the body through inhalation, meaning we breathe radon into our bodies. Inhalation of radon is the main way that radon enters our bodies, but it can also be swallowed when drinking water. Another way is dermal absorption. However, inhalation of radon is the most dangerous way in which radon enters our body as it affects our lungs. Radon that is not breathed out of our bodies does go to our other organs and fat tissue where it remains until it decays.
Health effects of radon
There is no denying that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after tobacco use. That alone will justify why radon levels must be tested in homes and businesses. Being aware of the radon levels around you will ensure that your health is not affected. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. So, yes, both radon and smoking can cause lung cancer, but being exposed to both smoking and radon will increase your risk of lung cancer by 10 to 20 times.
What can be done to minimize radon effects?
The first step to minimizing or protecting yourself and your family is to make sure that the radon levels in your home are not at elevated levels. This is done by testing the air inside of your home or business. If elevated levels are found, the action needs to be taken immediately, as prolonged exposure to radon can have health effects that can be dangerous. Testing for radon should be done every two years, but it can be done more frequently. When you buy a new home, you must get radon testing done before moving into the home. If radon levels are found to be elevated, then radon mitigation needs to be done.