How much exposure to radon is dangerous?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends radon levels at home below 148 Bq/m3. According to the WHO, “lung cancer risk rises 16 % per 100 Bq/m3 increase in radon exposure”.
How quickly does radon cause lung cancer?
If a person has been exposed to radon, 75% of the radon progeny in the lungs will become harmless lead particles after 44 years. When a particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes at least five years, but often takes 15 to 25 years and even longer.
What are the long term effects of radon?
Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements (radon progeny) that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer.
Can radon have short term effects?
Breathing radon does not cause any short-term health effects such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, or fever.
What are the signs of radon poisoning?
A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
How quickly does radon affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.
Does Radon make you tired?
Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.
Is 7 a high radon level?
For example, a person living in a house with a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L or lower has an approximately 7 in 1000 chance of getting sick. On the other hand, a person living in a house with a radon level of 20 pCi/L or higher has a 36 in 1000 chance of contracting lung cancer.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Running a window fan in a basement window reduces radon levels, but only if the fan blows air into the basement.
How bad is a radon level of 8?
Radon Risk If You Smoke
| Radon Level | If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*… |
|---|---|
| 10 pCi/L | About 150 people could get lung cancer |
| 8 pCi/L | About 120 people could get lung cancer |
| 4 pCi/L | About 62 people could get lung cancer |
| 2 pCi/L | About 32 people could get lung cancer |
Is a radon level of 5 bad?
Safe radon levels The best radon level measurement would be zero. The average global outdoor radon level varies between 5-15 Bq/m3, equal to 0.135-0.405 pCi/L. For every 99.9 Bq/m3, or every 2.7 pCI/L increase in long term radon exposure, lung cancer risk rises 16%4.
What is the average radon level in homes?
about 1.3 pCi/L
How do I get rid of radon in my basement?
There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.
Do it yourself fix radon?
Steps for DIY Radon Mitigation
- Get Initial Radon Reading. The first step to mitigating the radon in your home is to understand where radon levels are high in your home and how high they are.
- Age of Structure.
- Structure.
- Planning the Pipe.
- Fan Placement.
- Drilling holes.
- Laying pipe.
- Sealing Holes.
How much does it cost to install a radon system?
Radon system costs can range from $750 to $5,000 per home. The average cost range to install a radon mitigation system in an average single-family home is between $1,100 and $2,500, with $1,400 being the average.
Do radon systems need maintenance?
Similar to a furnace or chimney, radon reduction systems need some occasional maintenance. You should look at your warning device on a regular basis to make sure the system is working correctly. It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.