Lung cancer is a major issue in the United States. Thousands of lives are lost every year to this virulent disease and, thanks to many conflicting awareness campaigns, it can be difficult for the average American to understand how to better prevent it. Although smoking and exposure to hazardous city chemicals are commonly cited as contributors to lung cancer, there’s a more insidious and widely spread element that finds its way into everyday lungs. Radon gas is a chemical present in many an American home and can even affect your family if unchecked over a long period of time.
How Many American Homes Have Radon Gas Poisoning?
The United States is seeing a radon gas epidemic. Because of this local radon testing has become standard in many residential areas to better prevent the spread of this dangerous chemical. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (shortened to the U.S. EPA) as well as the Surgeon’s General’s Office have estimated as many as 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused on a yearly basis due to radon. Nearly one in three homes across seven states as well as three Indian lands have a higher-than-average level of radon exposure as dictated by the EPA.
How Is Radon Gas Detected?
Radon testing companies use modern technology to pinpoint the source of radon gas as well as reduce its effects. Short-term detectors are able to accurately measure radon levels for as little as two days and as long as a few months. This depends on the device, however. Long-term tests are also available to measure for many months at a time. If radon gas is found to be present above the EPA’s required standards, the next step is to use as many resources as possible to reduce its prevalence.
How Is Radon Gas Reduced?
To reduce the onset of radon gas a radon abatement service is required. A sump pump excavation can get to the root of the issue, while additional tools such as fans can increase the likelihood that radon is pushed down below the EPA action level. Passive systems of mitigation are incredibly successful at reducing indoor radon levels, with some cases seeing the reduction by 50%. Fans circulate the air and encourage radon gas to dissipate, creating a cleaner and safer environment for your family.
Does Radon Gas Cause Lung Cancer?
Although cigarettes, cigars and exposure to smog can contribute to lung cancer, radon gas is one of the most common and unknown elements. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country. For example, a family whose home has radon levels of 4 pCi/l is exposed to 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if they were next to the fence of a radioactive waste site. A radon abatement service and sump pump installation are necessary tools to keep these figures low.
Does My Home Have Radon Gas?
While a very, very low amount of radon gas is considered safe, the EPA has only become more strict with the levels it allows for family exposure. When one in 15 American homes could have radon levels either at or above the EPA action level, it’s more than possible you could be at risk. Thankfully, a radon abatement service can both detect and reduce your radon exposure in a matter of days or weeks. Lung cancer deaths could even be reduced by 4% every year by constantly reducing radon. Call your local radon mitigation company today and see how you can curb this dangerous element.