How The Second Leading Cause Of Lung Cancer Goes Undetected In American Homes

 

Your health is important. Whatever steps you need to take in order to keep yourself and your family members safe, it’s imperative you take them. One of the most common contributing issues to poor lung health in the United States outside of environmental pollution and daily habits such as smoking is that of radon exposure, a harmful chemical that can exist almost undetected and wreak havoc on the health of nearby residents.

Where Does Radon Come From?

Although radon is a gas that occurs naturally, it’s not safe for human exposure and can have devastating short-term and long-term consequences if not removed. One of its most notable qualities is its lack of odor or color, able to sneak by undetected in the average American home and affect residents, animals and the environment alike. Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of radon, where it comes from and how it’s handled.

Where Is Radon Found?

Your own home could be an unwilling participant in the spread of radon gas. According to ongoing studies conducted by the U.S. EPA, almost one in three homes checked across seven states as well as three Indian lands had screening levels over 4 pCi/L — this is well beyond the EPA’s recommended action level for radon exposure and growth. If you’re not sure whether or not your home is being influenced by radon, a radon abatement test can determine your risk level and what you should do in the future.

What Are Short-Term Side-Effects Of Radon?

Radon abatement services are necessary to reduce the effects of radon. Short-term detectors measure radon levels anywhere from two days to 90 days, depending on the device and the amount of radon suspected. Common short-term side-effects of radon include a very persistent cough, wheezing and varying degrees of chest pain. Long-term side-effects, however, include an increased risk for lung cancer, breathing issues and asthma.

What Are Long-Term Side-Effects Of Radon?

Radon that isn’t removed can cause damaging long-term side-effects. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and similar diseases in the United States — scientists estimate that lung cancer deaths can be reduced by anywhere from 2% or 4%, or around 5,000 deaths, by lowering radon levels in homes. The risk of lung cancer increases by over 15% per 100 Bq/m in long-time radon concentration, making this an issue that needs to be tackled as significantly as possible. Long-term tests determine the average concentration beyond 90 days.

How Can I Remove Radon From My Home?

When at least one in 15 American homes are estimated to have radon levels either at or above the EPA action level, it’s time to be proactive and see how radon abatement services can help you and your family. A single home with radon levels of 4 pCi/L is exposed to a stunning 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if that family were standing beside the fence of a radioactive waste site. A radon mitigation company uses modern technology to pinpoint radon exposure and provide resources in reducing its impact, from sump pump excavation to general radon abatement. Consider getting a test today and see how you and your family can lead a healthier life.