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Next to smoking, the leading cause of lung cancer is a radioactive gas that is undetectable to the human senses. It causes an estimated 15 to 22 thousand deaths per year. This gas, known as radon, finds its way into home basements through cracks in the foundation and is trapped there by poor ventilation at higher levels. It can also contaminate well water. If you are buying a home, you should test for radon. It affects any kind of home - new or old. Harvest Inspection Services can test for it and help you decide how to take care of it if it is present at a high level. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air. A high level would be approximately 4pCi/L and above. So where does radon come from? Uranium is found in almost all rocks and soil. When it decays, it releases radon. Since radon is created by soil and is the heaviest known gas, it sinks to the lowest point in houses. This makes it easier to test for. Inhaling the radon causes it to further decay and produce free radicals in your system, which act as a carcinogen and cause lung cancer. Smokers should take extra care to test for radon. The risk of lung cancer is increased 16% overall at a high level, but smokers are 25 times more likely to have radon-induced lung cancer. The EPA shows that New Hampshire is at moderate to high risk, with Carroll County at the most risk. Typically today's builders take extra pains to seal the floors and walls of new homes just to decrease risk, but even well-sealed homes should be tested because if radon does get in, it will be trapped. How can you decrease your risk? Preventing radon from ever getting in is a good start. Do this by sealing floors and walls - especially in the basement. Ventilation is key - which means that energy-efficient homes are often at risk. Should you have a high level of radon in your home, you should contact a radon remediation company from your phone book. Go with at least two quotes to get an idea of price ranges. If you have more questions about radon, you can call the hotline at: Sources: |