You don’t have to be a chemistry major to know that the presence of Radon gas in your home is no laughing matter. Radon is a colorless, inert radioactive gas that is slowly released during the breakdown, or natural decay, of uranium in the ground. This gas moves freely though soil, rock and water. Because it is the heaviest gas in nature, high levels of radon can accumulate in basements or generally poorly ventilated areas of a home or building. How Dangerous is Radon Gas? As radon decays, it continues to break down forming other radioactive elements in the process. These elements, when inhaled into the lungs, damage the cells that line the lungs causing lung cancer. Radon exposure has been linked to 16 percent of lung cancer deaths and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. How Much Radon Is Too Much? Be aware that radon levels can vary over time and especially from season to season. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to conduct any radon testing over a duration of a few months, or even longer, to determine actual radon levels and to confirm if any remedial action is necessary. Since it’s such an important matter to get right, make sure to contact a certified radon inspector to perform testing on your…[Read More]