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What Causes High Radon Levels and How to Fix Them
You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, yet radon gas could be accumulating in your home right now, putting your family at risk. As a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the soil, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
What makes it especially dangerous is how silently it works, with no immediate symptoms to warn you of exposure.
The good news? Protecting your home is straightforward. A simple radon test can reveal if you have dangerous levels, and professional mitigation can effectively reduce them.
Let’s start with learning a little about radon itself.
What Exactly is Radon
Radon is a gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, or water. It’s found pretty much everywhere, but it becomes a problem when it builds up in enclosed spaces like your home.
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas, and there’s no way to detect it without testing. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels. These elevated levels have been found in homes in every state.
Why High Radon Levels are Dangerous
When radon gas breaks down, tiny radioactive particles are released that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.
If you have never smoked but live in a home with high radon levels, your risk is still significant. And if you smoke, the danger multiplies.
Why is Radon High in My House
If you have tested and now you wonder why your home has higher radon levels, here are some common causes behind it:
1. The Soil Beneath Your Home
Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, and that’s the root of the issue for most homes. If your home is on soil that is rich in uranium, radon is likely being released all the time. The problem arises when this gas finds a way into your home.
2. Cracks and Openings in Your Foundation
Radon gas naturally arises from the ground. If your home has cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or unsealed sump pumps, you’re providing radon an easy entrance into your home. Even the homes with poured concrete slabs can have tiny pores or cracks that let radon sneak in.
3. Poor Ventilation
Your home’s air pressure plays a huge role. When the indoor air pressure is lower than the pressure in the soil, your home automatically suck in radon. This phenomenon is called the stack effect.
It’s worse in colder months when windows are closed and warm air rises. Poor ventilation makes it easier for radon to concentrate and harder for it to escape.
4. Your Water Supply
It’s also a fact that radon can be found in water, especially well water drawn from underground sources. When this water is used in a shower, dishwasher, or washing machine, radon gas can be released into the air. This is a major concern in homes that are not connected to the municipal water.
How to Know If Your Home Has High Radon Levels
The only way to know about radon levels is by getting a test. Radon isn’t something you can see or smell, so guessing won’t help. When it comes to testing for radon, you have the following options:
- Short-term test kits: take 2-7 days to show readings
- Long-term test kits: more accurate, take 90+ days to provide results
- Professional radon inspection: that tells you about radon levels, the entrance point, and recommends the steps to fix it
The EPA recommends action if the radon test shows a level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. But, the labels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L may also pose a risk over time.
How to Fix Higher Levels of Radon in Your Home
If there are radon levels higher in your home, then you need to opt for some fixation steps like:
1. Install a Radon Mitigation System
If the radon test has detected higher levels, and the inspector suggests a mitigation system, you should have it as soon as possible. It’s a system of pipes and fans draws radon gas from beneath your home and vents it safely outside. This can prevent radon from entering your living space. This setup is called sub-slab depressurization.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
While sealing alone isn’t enough to fix elevated radon levels, it’s a good supplemental step. You can use caulk or polyurethane foam to seal:
- Cracks in concrete floors
- Gaps around utility pipes
- Openings in walls and crawl spaces
This way, you can reduce the number of entry points for radon and enhance the effectiveness of your mitigation system.
3. Improve Ventilation
Bringing more fresh air into your home can help dilute radon concentrations. You can improve it by opening windows and using exhaust fans, especially in the basements, or installing a heat recovery ventilator or energy recovery ventilator system to exchange stale indoor air with outdoor air.
4. Treat Your Water
If the radon inspection shows that radon levels are high due to well water, you need to take essential steps to treat it. Aeration is the most effective way; it bubbles air through the water to release radon gas, which is then vented safely outside.
Final Thoughts
Getting a professional test is the best way to know if your home also contains high radon levels. Apart from the radon level, this test can help you to know the points from where radon might be entering your home and what steps are needed to fix it.
At GreenWorks Inspections, we have certified radon inspectors who perform inspections according to set standards and recommend action steps that can protect your family’s health. If you haven’t tested for radon yet, get an inspection and stay informed about the hidden danger.
