A lot of people are unaware of radon gas. And even if they’ve heard about it before, they have little to no idea about its severe implications. To increase your radon knowledge. the experienced home inspectors at Whole House Home Inspections have curated this list of FAQs. We want to inform the residents of Atlanta and answer any queries they have regarding radon. This way you’ll be able to protect your families by providing them with a radon-free environment. After reading these radon FAQs, feel free to ask us any questions that you feel we haven’t covered.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no taste, smell, or color. Radon is produced when uranium breaks down in the soil. As radon gas is the number 1 reason for lung cancer in non-smokers, these particles are particularly dangerous when inhaled. Water containing radon is not as hazardous or prevalent. But, when radon leaves the soil and enters our air supply, it becomes dangerous.
Several homes and businesses contain radon gas, which can accumulate in low-lying regions like basements and go unnoticed by people. That’s why you need to call residential or commercial property inspection services to get this sorted out as soon as possible.
How Do You Know When You’ve Been Exposed To Radon Gas?
When you inhale air with a high radon level for an extended period of time, you are exposed to radon. Long-term exposure to radon can be fatal and result in serious health issues such as lung cancer. However, radon testing is the only way to determine if you’ve been affected by the gas. Some of the signs that you’ve been exposed to radon gas are:
- A chronic cough that doesn’t go away
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
A lot of people disregard these symptoms and believe it’s from a common cold when in reality there’s a much bigger reason at play. If you’ve experienced any of these signs, you should seek immediate medical attention and get a professional residential home inspector to come to your house right away.
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon originates underground and comes to the surface by surpassing dirt and rocks. Indoor places, such as your house, workplace, or place of education, can easily be contaminated by radon. The foundation and walls in such places are usually cracked which allows radon to easily seep in. Although, the following entry points can also let radon into your house:
- Holes and cracks in concrete blocks
- Uncovered soil in a crawlspace or a sump
- Pipes with loose fittings
- Floor-wall joints
- Well water
The air pressure in your house is often lower than the air and soil outside since it usually operates under negative air pressure. By creating a vacuum, this pressure difference draws soil gases inside your house via these passageways. Whether your region has experienced snow or rain, the soil underneath your house will still be warm. That means radon can still enter your home.
Whole House Home Inspections’ commercial and residential home inspectors in Atlanta can help you combat this issue. We’re a property inspection company that uses the finest and up-to-date technology while we’re doing radon testing, mold inspection, infrared inspection, air quality testing, roof, ceilings, foundation checks, and much more! Give us a call and we’ll help you out with all of your pre-purchase and pre-listing home inspections.
