How Does Radon Affect Your Health?

June 7, 2019 11:13 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Most people know that radiation causes cancer, but a lot of people don’t know that radiation comes from a gas called radon—and that most of us are exposed to it every day. Radon exposure is actually the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and is responsible for thousands of deaths every year.

Most people think that radon is something that you would only find in certain areas or that, if they were exposed to high levels of radon, they would know it. Unfortunately, these are all misconceptions, and these are the types of misconceptions that can have serious consequences down the line. That’s why our team at HealthSafe Inspections Inc. works hard to not only prevent radon poisoning through radon testing in Aspen, CO, but to educate our community about it as well. If you want to keep your family safe and healthy, here’s what you should know about radon and the ways it affects your health.

What is radon?

Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally outdoors. Radon forms when uranium, radium and thorium—which are all radioactive metals—break down underground. Radon typically occurs in harmless amounts outdoors. People are exposed to radon all their lives and most are never affected by it.

When is radon dangerous?

Radon is dangerous when it becomes concentrated in homes and other buildings. Radon can seep in through cracks in floors and walls, and even around pipes or construction joints. For this reason, the highest levels of radon found in a home are typically in the basement or crawl spaces.

How does radon affect your health?

Unlike exposure to certain other harmful gases, there are really no symptoms of radon poisoning until it’s too late. Even if you are breathing in high levels of radon, you won’t show any symptoms until cancer has already begun to develop in your lungs. Symptoms of lung cancer from radon exposure are very apparent, however. These symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Hoarseness
  • Frequent infections, such as pneumonia
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Coughing up blood

How do you prevent radon exposure?

Because radon is an odorless, invisible gas, and there are no early signs of radon exposure, the only way to determine if you and your family are at risk is to have your home tested. If you live in an area known for having high levels of radon, it’s essential that you have a test done periodically. Radon testing is a simple way to ensure that your family is safe and healthy. You can hire a professional to test your home, and the test itself is simple, easy to schedule and inexpensive. Most homes have harmless levels of radon, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

To schedule an appointment for radon testing in Aspen, CO, be sure to call on the local experts at HealthSafe Inspections Inc. We’ve been serving the community since 2005 by providing thorough radon testing and other home inspection services. To learn more, just call us today!

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