By: Dallas Jones, Vice President – Ecosense

Guarding against intruders is a high priority for homeowners, especially when the intruder is life-threatening. Radon gas is one such intruder. 

Known as the “silent killer,” radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can invade any home and ultimately lead to lung cancer. In fact, overexposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer death in the US, causing an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.

Thankfully, detecting and addressing this radioactive gas is something any homeowner can do using modern technology that continuously monitors indoor radon levels. These devices can be deployed year-round in any area of a home, providing ongoing readings that can be sent wirelessly to a mobile device.

There are a number of reasons why it is important for all homeowners to constantly monitor their indoor radon levels. The following are a few that are on the list.

Radon can be present in any home

Myths regarding radon can lead homeowners to believe they are not at risk of exposure. For example, some believe high levels of radon are only present in older homes, but the truth is any home can have the elements that allow radon to enter and accumulate. The only way to know is to test.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas created as radioactive uranium, and radium decays in the rocks and soil under and around the building. Soil gasses are then drawn indoors through even the tiniest cracks and holes in the foundation. Outdoors, radon quickly dilutes into the atmosphere but can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors if left unaddressed.

Radon levels can fluctuate throughout the year

Radon testing is commonly conducted over 2-3 days during the home-buying process. While this is an important part of a home inspection, the notion of testing for radon as a one-time event is misleading. Because indoor radon levels are always fluctuating, only continuous, ongoing monitoring of radon levels can characterize the nature of radon entry and provide homeowners with the data necessary to prevent exposing their families to this potentially lethal gas.

A number of factors cause radon levels to fluctuate throughout the year. Seasonal changes in outdoor temperatures will cause homes to suck more or less radon from the soil depending on the degree of pressure difference between the indoor air and the soil below. 

Radon monitoring devices that provide readings over time show how seasonal changes and other factors affect radon levels. A one-time reading can’t provide the same level of accuracy or security.

The damage from radon is difficult to detect

While accurately measuring radon levels can be difficult, detecting its effect on the body is even more challenging. For one, the symptoms of prolonged radon exposure that result in lung cancer typically don’t appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage and can be easily confused with other conditions. Consequently, many who contract radon-related illnesses avoid taking the steps needed to address it until it is too late.

Research shows that early detection of lung cancer results in an 80 percent survival rate, which further highlights the importance of utilizing test devices that allow for ongoing radon monitoring. Detecting the presence of radon may trigger occupants to have cancer screenings and life-saving treatments.

The effects of radon can be addressed

Once radon is detected, the levels can easily and affordably be reduced by a certified mitigation contractor. 

Active soil depressurization is the most common mitigation method. This involves installing a PVC pipe through the concrete slab to draw radon out of the soil below and around the foundation with an inline fan and exhausting it into the atmosphere above the roofline. For homes with earth-floor crawl spaces, suction can also be used to draw radon from below a plastic membrane to prevent its entry into homes.

While radon is indeed a deadly intruder and “silent killer,” it can still be detected by using electronic continuous monitors. By conducting ongoing monitoring of radon levels, every homeowner can ensure they know when a problem needs to be addressed.

– Dallas Jones, Vice President of Ecosense, has worked in the radon detection and monitoring industry for more than 28 years. Dallas began their career in 1994 as Vice President of Training, Sales, and Marketing at Radalink Inc. In 2008, they became President of Green Training USA & Home Energy Institute, where they were responsible for course content development and appeared in on-demand video production. In 2017, they joined AARST as Executive Director, where they were accountable for managing all day-to-day operations, supervising public relations and communications strategy, and managing operations staff. Currently, they are Vice President at Ecosense, Inc.

Published by: Nelly Chavez