What Are the Side Effects of Radon Exposure?

The presence of radon varies by region. In areas where basements are not particularly common, it’s rarely a problem that homeowners need to think about or deal with. However, here in the Pacific Northwest, there are a number of things homeowners need to know about radon exposure. While Active Mold Control LLC specializes in issues like bathroom mold in Portland, OR, we also offer radon services. Here are some of the signs you want to monitor when it comes to this gas.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally—it’s produced when elements like uranium or radium break down in organic sources like rock, water or soil. The gas produced by this reaction is tasteless, odorless, invisible and extremely hazardous to long-term health. Radon is not a huge problem at low levels, but issues can occur when a space is improperly ventilated. This allows radon gas to accumulate and potentially cause problems within your home. Typically, higher levels of radon are found in the basement or on the first floor of a building.

What are the side effects of radon exposure?

One of the unfortunate things about radon and its effects is that it doesn’t manifest as physical symptoms in people. Since it’s impossible to detect with the naked eye, it can be impossible to know if you have high radon levels in your home without proper testing. While something like bathroom mold in Portland, OR can be easily seen, radon is a very different sort of threat. Radon exposure over the long term (five to 25 years) has been shown to contribute to occurrences of lung cancer, so if you suspect your building might be at heightened risk of radon exposure, you don’t want to waste any time in calling the experts at Active Mold Control LLC to have your property tested.

How can radon be dealt with?

Testing is needed to detect whether or not dangerous levels of radon are actually present in a space. This is a key point—radon’s very presence is not necessarily a threat, but when it appears in high levels, that’s when you might have a problem on your hands. You want to have a test performed by professionals before you decide on further action—this will help you figure out if your radon problem requires mitigation. Once we’ve tested your space, we can work with you on a plan that might include caulking seams in your basement or even creating a gas-permeable layer in the flooring that allows radon to move more freely than usual.

Radon is more serious than having a little mold in a bathroom without a window—it’s something you’ll absolutely want to have your home checked for, especially if you have a basement in Portland, OR. Your neighbors could also be good resources if they’ve tested for it themselves, as some areas are more at risk than others. At the end of day, if you have questions about radon in your home, give Active Mold Control LLC a call for advice and insight. We’d be happy to assist with any next steps you decide to take.

Categorised in: Radon Services

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