Did you know that you could be breathing in a radioactive gas called radon in your home right now? About one in fifteen homes test positive for the presence of radon, which is why you should take steps to keep your family safe.

radon

“What is Radon?”

Radon is a type of radioactive gas that is odorless and colorless. It is formed naturally when radioactive metals such as uranium, thorium, or radium break down in rocks, soil, or groundwater.

Because it is formed naturally, people are always exposed to it and it seeps into homes via cracks and gaps in the building or its foundation. It doesn’t cause any immediate symptoms, but prolonged chronic exposure has been linked to a higher risk of lung cancer.

If you breathe in radon regularly, some particles can get trapped in your lungs. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer – after smoking. It is estimated to be responsible for at least 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

“What is the Probability of Getting Lung Cancer from Radon?”

It is difficult to pin down the exact probability of getting lung cancer from radon as it depends on numerous factors. Generally, the odds of getting lung cancer due to radon exposure depend on:

  • The amount of radon that is present in your home and the places you spend most of your time.
  • The amount of time that you spend in places that have high levels of radon.
  • Whether you are a smoker or have been one in the past.
  • Whether you burn fuels that add particles to the air such as wood or coal.

Suffice to say your chances of getting lung cancer from radon are much higher if you are a smoker, or are exposed to particles from burning fuels. That is especially true if you spend a lot of time in parts of your home that have high concentrations of radon.

Test your Home for Radon

To protect yourself and your family, your best option is to test your home for radon. While you could purchase a testing kit, if you want to be truly safe you should look into hiring a professional with experience.

If you are concerned, it may help to contact Wisconsin Radon Services. Not only do they have several types of Radon Test Monitors, but they also offer long-term testing that encompasses different seasons and weather conditions.

By scheduling an appointment with them, you’ll be able to get reliable results promptly and can then look at ways to mitigate your exposure to radon so that both you and your family are safe.