Get Educated About Radon In Your Home

Why Radon Testing and Mitigation Is So Important

Did You Know?

Did you know that radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking? The health risks of long-term exposure to radon are lasting and debilitating, which is why it’s crucial to keep it out of indoor spaces. Experts like Nordic Inspections for radon mitigation can help prevent those risks from impacting your life.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all of North Dakota (ND) is classified as Zone 1, signaling that the entire state has the highest potential for elevated radon gas levels.

This is particularly true in ND, where 63 percent of homes have elevated radon levels that are above the U.S. threshold for taking action. According to the EPA, levels that exceed 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) should be addressed with radon mitigation solutions.

What Is radon gas?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas. It is a naturally occurring byproduct of the decay of uranium, which is found in varying amounts in soil and rock. As uranium breaks down, it produces radon gas, which can migrate through the ground and enter the air. Radon is a noble gas and chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other substances.

The concern with radon arises because, when inhaled, it can break down further, releasing tiny radioactive particles. These particles can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is considered a significant health hazard, and elevated levels of radon in indoor air pose a potential risk to human health. Testing for radon levels in homes and other buildings is recommended, and if high levels are detected, mitigation measures can be taken to reduce exposure.

What Are the Symptoms of Random Gas Exposure?

The symptoms of radon gas exposure won’t appear immediately but will show up in the form of larger health problems, like lung cancer, down the line.

Early signs of long-term exposure to this gas include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. More severe symptoms you could experience following exposure are chest pain, extreme weight loss, and coughing up blood.

I Don’t Have Symptoms. Should I Still Get a Test?

Yes, it is recommended to conduct a radon test even if you don't have symptoms of radon gas exposure. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, and individuals may be exposed to elevated levels without experiencing immediate symptoms. The health risks associated with radon exposure, particularly the increased risk of lung cancer, are cumulative over time.

Testing is the only way to determine the radon levels in your home. Even low levels of radon exposure over an extended period can pose health risks. Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to another, and factors such as the geology of the area and the specific characteristics of the home can influence radon concentrations.

To ensure a healthy indoor environment and reduce the risk of long-term health effects, it's advisable to test for radon. If elevated levels are found, mitigation measures can be taken to reduce radon concentrations in the home. Testing is especially important in regions where radon is known to be prevalent. Many health organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, recommend testing homes for radon.

Where Does Radon Come From?

Radon gas is a natural radioactive byproduct of the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It enters homes through openings in the foundation and, less commonly, through well water. Testing for radon levels is essential, as prolonged exposure poses health risks, including an increased risk of lung cancer. Mitigation measures can be taken if elevated levels are found.

Why You Need Radon Testing & Mitigation

The average radon levels in Cass and Clay County are 5.4 and 5.8 Picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L)*.

The EPA recommends mitigation** for levels greater or equal to 4.0 pCi/L, but also recommend to consider radon mitigation on levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

*One pCi/l means that in one liter of air there will be 2.2 radioactive disintegrations each minute. For example, at 4 pCi/l there will be approximately 12,672 radioactive disintegrations in one liter of air, during a 24-hour period.
**Radon mitigation is any process used to reduce radon concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings.

Radon Levels By State

North Dakota

Minnesota

Most Homeowners Are Not Aware Of The Risks Posed By Radon Gas!

Most home owners are not aware of the danger that comes with radon gases, but the trend now is that more and more home owners do a radon check in the home they live in, and not only in the home they are thinking of buying.

You may have been living in an environment with elevated radon gases which over time, can be extremely dangerous.

If you have had any of the symptoms of radon gas exposure, it’s time to get a test.