Becoming a homeowner is the dream of many Americans across the country. But before you put down any payments on a home, you should make sure to get some radon gas testing done beforehand. Why? Radon is known to cause severe illnesses. This is definitely something that you do not want to inflict on yourself or your family. Read on to find out more about the harm that radon can cause.
It Can Cause Lung Cancer
While tobacco use is still the number one cause of lung cancer in the US, according to the American Lung Association, non-smokers could also be at risk for the disease. That’s because radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke at all. In fact, over twenty thousand people die from lung cancer each year, usually due to radon exposure.
Why Does This Happen?
Radon is a radioactive substance. Thus, it eventually decays. As it does so, it produces what are called decay products. Radon and its decay products can be inhaled into the lungs. Once inside the lungs, they continue to break down, emitting alpha particles. These particles emit energy that is absorbed by the tissue in your lungs. As a result, your lung cells could be damaged. In the worst case scenarios, these cells can die.
What You Can Do About It
The very first thing you should do when looking into any home is to conduct some radon gas testing. Once you have a better idea of the radon levels in your potential home, it is best to hire a professional company to reduce the radon.
The dangers of radon are very real, but you can still prevent any harm with proper preparation and research. Get expert radon mitigation now.
