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You are probably already familiar with the fact that smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer in the United States. But have you ever heard of the second leading cause? Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas naturally found in soil and rock around the world. Radon is a byproduct of the breakdown of radioactive elements, such as uranium. But how does this gas cause cancer and what should you know about radon removal systems in Maine? Radon in the Home As uranium breaks down in rocks and soil, it releases radon gas that can move into the air or any nearby ground or surface water. In the open, outdoor aid, radon disperses safely into the atmosphere at low levels. If it finds its way into a building such as a home, however, it can become trapped and begin to concentrate in higher levels. It can make its way into the home airborne, by seeping in through cracks in the home's foundation and frame, or, in some cases, it can find its way into the home through water, particularly if the home has a deep well as its water source. Radioactive Radon The problem with high levels of radon is their radioactive nature. As radon particles break down, they release a high-energy form of radiation that can damage DNA inside of the body's cells. This can be especially problematic with radon progeny. Radon progeny are solid, radioactive elements caused by the breakdown of radon. Also called daughters, radon progeny are capable of attaching to dust and other particles, which can then be breathed into the lungs. Radon and Cancer Long term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, and is the number 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States. Scientists attribute about 20,000 deaths in the United States to radon each year. It may also be linked to other cancers, such as lip, nasal cavity, and bladder cancers. Should You Be Concerned about Radon Levels? Radon levels are not predictable, and can vary widely from area to area. Radon levels are measured in a unit called picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which measure the radioactive decay of radon. The average radon level in single family homes in the U.S. is 1.3 pCi/L. Anything higher than 4 pCi/L is considered elevated levels of radon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and should be managed. Elevated radon levels have been found in every state within the United States, and the EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. have elevated levels of radon. Radon levels also tend to be at their highest in the basement or crawlspaces of homes. Knowing Radon Levels in Your Home At home test kits can be purchased that will test the radon levels in your home. The kits can be found online or in most hardware stores. A qualified professional can also test the radon levels inside of your home. Decreasing Radon Levels If you have had your home tested and found that the radon levels are high, there are methods you can take to help reduce the levels. Note that, if not done properly, many attempts at reducing radon levels can actually increase your radon levels. This is why it is highly advised that you contact a professional for radon reduction, such as the installation of radon removal systems in Maine. Systems for reducing or removing radon can be installed for both radon in the air and for radon in water. A qualified professional will be able to determine what methods and systems are the best choice for your home. A & B Water Consultants are radon and arsenic contractors that have been serving Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Radon removal systems Maine! Visit our page on http://www.fixyourwater.com/ for more info!
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