When was the last time you got your home or office checked for radon?
It’s unfortunate that many people are not aware of how a protracted exposure to radon can adversely impact their health. According to the American Cancer Society, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking, in the US and Tennessee is a hotbed.
What You Need To Know About Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may be found in indoor environments such as homes, workplaces, and schools. It’s produced when radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium break down in soil, rock, and water and are then released into the air.
Radon gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, thereby making it difficult to detect. Once breathed in, the particles are deposited on the cells lining the airways where they can damage DNA and potentially cause lung cancer.
While radon is generally not a problem outdoors, as it quickly dilutes to very low concentration, it can be very hazardous indoors especially when it’s present in high concentration. Therefore, it’s important for every household and business to take responsibility and ensure they check for the level of this deadly gas within their property.
Radon levels are measured by units of radioactivity per volume of air. This is called picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends treating homes with any level higher than 4.o pCi/L.
Ways You Could Get Exposed To Radon
Common exposure to radon comes from being indoors either at home, in office, school, and other enclosed buildings. The level of radon varies from one home or office to another. The determining factors include the characteristics of the rock and soil in a particular area.
Tennessee is reported to be a hotbed of this cancer-causing gas. In the state, 31 counties are listed to be at greater risk of radon levels higher than 4. They include most Middle and East Tennessee counties.
People that work underground such as some types of miners are at a special risk of being exposed to high levels of radon.
What Is The Health Risk Associated With Radon?
Lung cancer
Being exposed to radon for a long time can lead to lung cancer. When radon is released to the air, it breaks down into tiny radioactive elements called radon progeny. Radon progeny can accumulate in the lining of the lungs where they can give off radiation that damages lung cells and even lead to lung cancer.
Lung cancer can be fatal. Scientists estimate that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually are related to radon.
Where To Find The Best Radon Testing Center In Tennessee
The simplest way to find out if you’re breathing in radon-free air is by getting your home and businesses tested for radon.
For a bespoke radon testing or mitigation service in Tennessee, you should contact Radon1 today. Radon1 is one of the best companies you can trust for effective and high-quality residential and commercial radon services. They provide highly professional mitigation and radon testing services in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and other cities across Tennessee. Need Nashville Radon Mitigation? Radon1 is your best bet! For more information on how to test your property for radon, visit their website: https://radon1.com/.
