Retirement should be a time of peace, but an unseen danger, radon gas, might be present in your home. This naturally occurring radioactive gas poses significant health risks, especially as retirees spend more time indoors. In this guide to radon’s health risks, we’ll explain what you need to know about radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation solutions.
What is Radon?
Radon forms when uranium breaks down naturally in soil, rock, and water. This colorless, odorless gas seeps into homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and other openings where your house meets the ground.
The gas accumulates indoors because homes trap it more effectively than outdoor spaces disperse it. Basements and lower levels typically show higher concentrations, though radon can reach dangerous levels on any floor of your home. Weather conditions, soil composition, and your home’s construction all influence radon levels.
Understanding Radon’s Risks
What you need to know about radon’s health risks is that it’s a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon causes cancer by damaging your lung tissue when you breathe it in, and this damage builds up over your lifetime. The risk grows with higher radon concentrations and longer exposure times.
For smokers, the combination of tobacco use and radon exposure significantly elevates the risk of developing lung cancer. The danger also increases with age, as the body’s ability to repair itself diminishes. This puts retirees, especially those who have lived in the same house for many years, at a higher risk of prolonged, undetected exposure.
Testing Your Home for Radon
Testing for radon is the only way to know the concentration in your home. You can buy inexpensive test kits at hardware stores, online, or through your state’s radon program. Short-term tests provide quick results in two to seven days, while long-term tests offer a more accurate average by measuring levels over three months to a year.
To get an accurate reading, place the test kit at the lowest level of your home. Keep it away from drafts, high humidity, and exterior walls. During the test, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, only opening them for normal entry and exit.
Radon Mitigation Solutions
If you find high radon levels, don’t panic. Professional mitigation systems can effectively lower radon to safer concentrations. The most common method involves installing a vent pipe system that pulls radon from under your foundation and vents it outside before it can accumulate indoors. A qualified radon contractor can design a system specific to your home’s needs.
While sealing cracks in your foundation and improving ventilation can help, these strategies are most effective in combination with an active depressurization system. They are generally not sufficient as standalone solutions for high radon levels.
Taking Action for Your Health
Radon testing and mitigation represent smart investments in your retirement health and home value. Many buyers now request radon information during real estate transactions, making mitigation a valuable home improvement that protects both your family and your property’s marketability. Your retirement years should focus on enjoying life’s pleasures, not worrying about preventable health risks hiding in your home’s foundation.
