Radon is known as the second leading cause of cancer, right behind smoking. It has also been called a national health concern by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. Of course Radon is hard to detect without testing specifically for it, since it has no smell, no feel and you cannot see it. Performing home testing is the best way to catch Radon early. You can find these kits in Home Depot and Lowe’s. It is an inexpensive way to test for a potential harmful cancer causing chemical in your home.
The effects of Radon are very serious and should be taken very seriously. In addition to lung cancer, Radon can also be associated with respiratory conditions such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis and respiratory lesions. As Radon Gas breaks down into small radioactive particles, they can become easily trapped in your lungs, this happens every time you take a breath.
The radioactive particles will continue to breakdown and release small energy bursts, this will cause the damage to your lungs and overtime lead to cancer. It may take years so treatment is very important and the quicker you test for Radon the quicker you can go to the doctor and inform him of your findings. A study has shown that children may have a greater cancer risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radon.
The main exposure to Radon comes from simply breathing. The health risk doesn’t come from the radon directly but from the radioactivity it produces from the decay in the Radon. Since radon cannot be detected without proper testing, often it is found after a diagnosis of lung cancer is determined. That is why it is imperative that you do the testing in your home whether you are renting or you own. Radon is heavier than air, so the higher concentrations will be in the lowest levels of the home such as the basement. If you live in a basement apartment it is highly recommended that you test for Radon.
Some symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, a new cough that does not get better, chest pain and coughing up blood just to name a few. Radon is not just found in domestic homes, it can be found in office buildings, apartment buildings and even schools. The risk of exposure to you and your family is the place where you spend most of your time.
Testing is the only sure fire way you will know whether you have been exposed. The testing method is inexpensive and easy to do, the results are sent to labs where it can determine a better accuracy than a home reading. Since Radon fluctuates naturally you may want to do the test twice to confirm the results. For more information, you can contact the Environmental Protection Agency. Your family’s health is the most important thing; why not spend the time and the expensive to ensure that they are living in a healthy environment.