(Cue the spooky music) Since January is National Radon Awareness Month, and you will be overwhelmed with the same information from pretty much everyone else, I think it’s the perfect time to bring to light what’s overlooked, rarely asked and rarely published. After all, radon is often a misunderstood and under-discussed health hazard even though it happens to be the second leading cause of lung cancer globally. While most homeowners focus on mitigating radon levels above recommended action thresholds set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), several important aspects of radon exposure often go unnoticed or unaddressed. This article explores some of the lesser-known yet critical considerations every homeowner should keep in mind when dealing with radon. You ready?
Radon in water
Most homeowners focus on radon in the air, but radon can also be present in water, especially if your house relies on a private well. Radon in the water can be released into the air during activities like showering, cooking or running the dishwasher which can contribute to higher indoor radon levels. While radon in water is generally a smaller risk compared to airborne radon, it can be more significant in some areas. Some heating systems also employ water in the form of humidifiers. If your home’s water supply contains radon, the humidifier can release radon into the air as water vapor, adding another source of radon exposure. Testing well water for radon and implementing mitigation systems like aeration or granular activated carbon filters can help reduce this overlooked source of radon.
Seasonal and daily radon fluctuations
Radon levels in a home are not static, did your last tester tell you that? Yep, they can vary quite a bit depending on your attitude. Just kidding, levels vary by the season, weather conditions and even the time of day. For example, levels tend to rise in winter when windows and doors are closed. Simple physics too. As heat rises, it escapes from the upper levels of the home through ceiling penetrations, cracks and around windows. As the warm air exits, cooler air is drawn in from lower levels to replace it. You have probably heard this concept referred to as the stack effect. The stack effect increases the suction on the foundation, pulling more radon-rich soil gas into the home. This means that residents of multi-story homes or upper-level apartments are not immune to radon exposure. Wow, right! Testing all living spaces, regardless of floor level, is an important step to ensure safety. The more significant the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, the stronger the stack effect. Similarly, storms and low atmospheric pressure can cause temporary spikes. In a short-term radon test like during a real estate transaction, it may fail to capture these fluctuations, leading to an underestimation of true exposure. Long-term or continuous testing can provide you a more accurate picture of average radon levels, ensuring that you don’t live, unknowingly, in a high radon level house based on a misleading real estate short-term result.
Radon entry points beyond the basement
Many homeowners assume radon only enters through basements and crawlspaces. However, radon can seep into homes through less obvious entry points like cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes and other utilities as well as sump pumps and drains. Focusing solely on the basement might leave significant entry points wide open, reducing the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. Hopefully you see that a comprehensive inspection of the entire home for potential radon entry points is critical for effective and efficient radon reduction. More amazing news after these words from our sponsor. Professional assessments can help identify hidden vulnerabilities and guide more effective mitigation strategies. You’re welcome.
Impact on newer homes
Energy-efficient, tightly sealed homes are often thought to be safer from radon exposure. Ironically, they can also trap radon indoors, exacerbating the problem. Newer homes often have lower natural ventilation allowing radon to accumulate at higher levels. Builders can mitigate this risk by incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques like installing sub-slab depressurization systems during construction. Something to think about if you’re planning on building soon. For homeowners, we highly recommend regular or continuous testing.
Long-term effects of low-level exposure
If you haven’t already read our more in-depth article, Radon Reality Check, I recommend it. In short, EPA mitigation guidelines focus on high radon levels (4.0 pCi/L), however long-term exposure to radon levels below 2.7 pCi/L can still pose significant health risks. This is especially true for sensitive populations, such as children, the elderly, and smokers. Over decades, even low-level radon exposure can contribute to lung cancer risk. That’s why the WHO (World Health Organization), and other organizations, recommended an action threshold at that 2.7 pCi/L level. Homeowners should consider mitigating radon levels as low as reasonably achievable to reduce cumulative exposure. Awareness of these long-term effects underscores the importance of consistent monitoring and action. Please read the full article.
Testing After Renovations or Structural Changes
People may not realize that renovations or structural changes to a house can alter radon levels. Think about flipped houses. Projects like adding insulation, sealing windows or changing HVAC systems can affect air pressure and ventilation, potentially increasing radon concentrations. Retesting for radon after major renovations, no matter how good the house looks or how qualified the builder may be, is crucial to ensure the home remains safe to live in. This often-overlooked step can prevent unexpected increases in radon levels from going undetected. Good tip, I know.
Radon in Rental Properties
Renters often assume it is the landlord’s responsibility to test for and mitigate radon, but laws on this issue vary by location. In some areas, landlords are not required to address radon, leaving tenants unaware of potential risks. Renters should inquire about radon testing and mitigation when signing a lease, particularly in high-risk areas. Portable radon monitors are an affordable option for renters to conduct their own testing. Educating renters on their rights and responsibilities regarding radon can empower them to advocate for safer living conditions.
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance
Installing a radon mitigation system is not a one-time solution. These systems require regular maintenance to remain effective. Fans can fail, seals around entry points can degrade and new cracks can form in the foundation, all of which can compromise the system’s performance. Homeowners should inspect their mitigation systems annually and retest radon levels periodically to ensure the system continues to function as intended. Proactive maintenance can extend the lifespan of the system and provide ongoing protection of your health.
Radon Risk Awareness in Non-Residential Buildings
While there’s a lot of attention given to radon in homes, other places we humans frequent include schools, the workplace and public buildings, which often get overlooked. People spend a significant portion of their day in these environments, making them an important consideration for radon exposure. Regular testing and mitigation in these settings can significantly reduce overall radon exposure for everybody.
Houses are like people—quirky, unpredictable and sometimes in need of therapy. By becoming aware, understanding and addressing these frequently overlooked sources of radon exposure, we can all take a more comprehensive approach to protecting our families. Radon is the Navy Seal of silent health threats but with proactive vigilance via testing, maintenance and mitigation, it’s a risk that can be effectively managed by our civilian selves. Congratulations, you have received the gold star of awareness, now pass it on.
