What Is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that forms during the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, which are naturally present in the Earth’s crust. This harmful gas enters the atmosphere through the Earth’s surface and can spread into the air, water, and soil. One of the main concerns regarding radon is its ability to seep into homes and buildings through cracks, crevices, and other openings in foundations, walls, and floors, accumulating indoors and reaching dangerous concentrations.

A particularly alarming aspect is that exposure to radon is a significant risk factor for the development of lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radon as a human carcinogen, and it is estimated to be responsible for approximately 22,000 deaths per year in the United States.

There are preventive measures we can take to reduce exposure after measuring radon levels in the building, so that we have a clear understanding of the risk. If radon levels are high, you can install an adequate ventilation system to reduce the buildup of this gas indoors. It is essential to follow the recommendations of your doctor or the relevant authorities to limit radon exposure and protect your health.

• Geographic location: Living in an area where the soil is rich in uranium can lead to higher levels of radon in the environment;
• Home construction: A house with concrete or brick foundations may allow radon to penetrate into indoor spaces;
• Poorly ventilated spaces: Basements or cellars can promote the accumulation of radon in enclosed spaces; a lack of proper ventilation in the home contributes to the buildup of radon indoors;
• Building materials: Some building materials can release radon, such as certain types of granite;
• Other sources: Radon gas may enter homes through water, natural gas, or methane lines.
• Direct contact with the ground: When a building’s foundation rests directly on the ground, radon emissions can more easily penetrate living spaces because they are in direct contact with the soil.
• Building structure: Direct connections between the building and underground spaces with poor air circulation, or construction using contaminated materials, increase the likelihood of high radon gas concentrations.
• Granitic or volcanic soils: Homes and offices built on granitic soils or soils rich in tuff are more likely to have high radon concentrations, as are buildings located near volcanoes (active or inactive).

• Underground or basement rooms,
• Ground-floor rooms located in priority areas for reducing radon gas concentration levels,
• Specific types of workplaces to be identified in the National Radon Action Plan,
• Spa facilities.

• Ventilate the rooms—Perform this practice regularly to facilitate air circulation and promote the dispersion of radon gas into the surrounding environment. Simply open the windows fully for 2–3 minutes, or, alternatively, keep them slightly open in the tilt-and-turn position for 5–6 minutes.
• Seal cracks and crevices—This practice helps limit the entry of radon into the home or office, reducing any potential gas penetration.
• Waterproof the ground-floor slab—Especially in buildings where the foundation is in direct contact with the ground, waterproofing the floor is an effective method for significantly reducing radon gas infiltration.
• Install a CMV system - The definitive solution often involves installing a Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) system when natural ventilation through doors or windows is insufficient. Air extraction devices can be used to remove contaminated air from areas such as basements and cellars. This practice promotes better air exchange and helps reduce the concentration of radon and other pollutants commonly found indoors: formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, combustion byproducts, dust, carbon monoxide, etc.