Replies

1. 
   ct_engineer | Feb 01, 2024 04:03pm | #1

   Good suggestion.

   Radon gas is one of the breakdown products of tiny amounts of U-238 naturally found in many subsurface rocks. Most of these products stay in place, but Radon is a gas and, under subsurface pressure, slowly works its way to the surface. Mostly it escapes into the air and is so diluted as to not be an issue. But it can also collect in areas such as such as basements and in super-insulated houses where it can become more concentrated and also remain in place long enough to cause an issue.

   It is not Radon itself that is the problem. Radon itself is inert and is not taken up by the body. But radon like all elements with atomic number above 78 is also radioactive and breaks down into a series of daughter products. These elements are also of high atomic number and are both radioactive and being heavy metals, difficult for the body to remove once absorbed.

   It is a good idea to check any basement where you spend a lot of time either in work or recreation. It is especially important for those located in radon-prone area, which are at this point well mapped out on the internet. There are many such areas in the eastern US along the Appalachian mountains for instance.

   Any commonly available test kit will do the job. The only caveat is to be sure the air in the test area is undisturbed throughout the test. The more air exchanges the area sees during the test, the more likely you will get a false high reading and spend a chunk of money unnecessarily. Such testing is a standard part of most home inspections.

   A high reading is not an insurmountable problem. It is usually fairly straightforward to apply mitigation that can effectively eliminate the problem. There are many companies that offer such services.

1. 
   chancito | Feb 01, 2024 04:16pm | #2

   Thanks for that comprehensive explanation of the issue, much appreciated.

2. 
   john_c2 | Feb 01, 2024 04:18pm | #3

   Likewise, venting all of the basement air a couple of times a year is usually more than enough to keep radon levels low. Keeping that air trapped, long term, is what builds high levels.

   After Loring Air Force Base in Northern Maine was closed, workers were contaminated with high levels of radioactivity from a long sealed concrete building. They were afraid it was once used for storing nuclear weapons. It turned out to be radon. Levels were so high because the building was sealed and unused for many years.

2. 
   stantheman | Feb 01, 2024 07:34pm | #4

   It's believed to be the second highest cause of lung cancer. It can also be found in groundwater, with exposure from showering, for example, where the gas comes out of the water at the point of use.

3. 
   _mj_ | Feb 01, 2024 08:35pm | #5

   Most of nature is trying to kill us... the cigars will get me before the radon does I 'spose.

4. 
   omaharadonpros | Feb 14, 2024 10:35pm | #6

   Thank you for sharing your experience with radon exposure and the importance of testing for it, especially for hobbyists who may spend extended periods in their basements or workspaces. It's crucial to prioritize health and safety by being aware of potential hazards like radon and taking proactive measures to mitigate them. Your story serves as a valuable reminder for others to assess their own environments and take appropriate action if needed.