How Does Radon Effect Your Health
Posted in Radon Testing, on February 08, 2023
The effects of chemical pollution are well-known and understood. Still, radon gas and specialized radon testing are becoming more common as the dangers of this invisible and odourless gas become better known. At SafeAir, we’ve been helping folks in the GTA and beyond improve their indoor air quality with science-based testing for over a decade. One of the common misconceptions about air quality is that no smell means it is safe — which unfortunately is not always the case, especially regarding radon gas. To get to the bottom of radon gas with indoor air quality testing, contact the SafeAir team.
Here’s what you need to know about radon and how it affects your home environment.
Effects of Radon Exposure
The scary thing with radon gas is that you don’t see the effects until many years later — when it’s too late. Radon is a radioactive gas; when you breathe it in, these particles decay in your lungs and respiratory system, causing damage and inflammation. Over time, this damage increases your risk of lung cancer — so much so that it’s the second-most leading cause of lung cancer next to cigarette smoke.
When to Schedule Radon Testing
At SafeAir, we schedule radon testing all year round. This is because we prefer long-term testing over a 3-6 month period. Why such a long testing window? Well, radon gas levels can fluctuate with the weather and seasons, and long-term tests are the most reliable way to even out any spikes or dips in concentration.
You should test your home if:
- It has never been assessed for radon gas.
- If you are going to be buying or selling.
- Before or after you renovate.
- When people live, work, or spend significant amounts of time in the basement.
How to Reduce Radon Gas Leaks
If we discover unsafe levels of radon gas in your home, there are several strategies we can recommend. Eliminating or reducing radon gas to safe levels depends on the unique factors of your home and situation — so some of the following mitigation strategies may work for you while others may not.
- Increasing airflow to the basement/lower level.
- Sealing cracks and gaps in the building envelope or foundation.
- Sealing cracks and gaps in windows and doors.
- Covering sump pumps.
- Installing a radon mitigation system.
How SafeAir Can Help Eliminate Radon Gas
As more and more Canadians become aware of how indoor air quality pollution affects their short and long-term health, the demand for air quality testing has grown. Testing your living environment for common pollutants like VOCs, mold spores, asbestos, radon gas, and other kinds of allergens and particles can have a positive effect on your day-to-day health (reducing symptoms like congestion or headaches), chronic conditions like asthma, and contribute to better long term health outcomes.
SafeAir is the GTA’s most trusted air quality specialist service, with well over a decade of experience, knowledge, and education on air quality, mold prevention, and more. To book your free consultation or ask us more about radon testing, contact SafeAir today.