Radon is widely known in the home improvement industry. It's kind of one of those things that no one likes to discuss, because the danger is so surreal. You've probably heard of toxins being referred to as silent killers, and when it comes to radon; that's no understatement.
Maybe you haven't heard that much about radon or what you have heard has not been too convincing. Does radon seem to be some "new" thing that is going to cause cancer and end the world? Everything seems to cause cancer, but the trick is in knowing how to prevent cancer, before it begins. Not everything causes cancer. That way of thinking is just some comedian's way to laugh-off the seriousness of so many people contracting this fatal disease. But, it's real.
Radon is a proven carcinogen, and experts know more about radon than other carcinogens. So, if you were told to avoid a proven carcinogen, you know that you would. Please, this is important. Radon doesn't smell, it doesn't have a taste, and you can't see it; there aren't even any immediate symptoms. Radon has the ability to kill you without even giving you a chance to defend yourself, without even knowing, not even a rash! Radon is not only found in the air, but also in water, so be sure to have your well water tested for radon.
Although radon does not give you much of a chance to defend yourself or trace whether you have been exposed, radon testing and mitigation systems have been developed in order to measure the radon count in your home, school, or workplace. There are even ways to make these places almost 100 percent radon-free. Not only do you want the places where you spend the most time to have a low radon count, but you want it gone. Did you know that most people, who have cancer from radon exposure, did not get it because they were saturated in it; but because of a low radon concentration?
Don't let radon fool you into thinking you won't get sick, or that you and your loved ones have no way to protect yourselves. There are experts who know how to regulate radon levels, and provide you with the protection that you need.
Radon: Close-up and Close to Home
Radon is a radioactive gas that's a proven carcinogen. It does not smell. It is invisible. You cannot taste it if you tried. Radon does not choose favorites; it's found all over the U.S. and infects anyone in its midst. Although not everyone exposed will contract cancer, for those who are infected, the particles damage your lung tissue and will most likely cause cancer.
Where does it come from? Well, radon is the result of the natural breakdown of uranium and radium. Once these particles breakdown and turn from a solid into a gas, with every breath you breathe in, this toxic radon infiltrates your lungs and body.
According to the studies performed by Air Chek, Inc., Connecticut's New Haven County has an average indoor radon level of 3.9 pCi/L, which is 2.6 pCi/L higher than the national average. About 27% of homes in New Haven County have over 4.0 pCi/L -- the high danger level. But, even with a radon level of 2.0 pCi/L there is still a higher likelihood of getting cancer from radon than carcinogens in your water and food.
"We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer," said Tom Kelly, the director of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Indoor Environments Division.
What's Your Risk?
Radon causes about 15 percent of the world's lung cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO.) And the EPA has discovered that radon is to blame for about 21,000 of the annual lung cancer deaths.
You can increase the likelihood of contracting lung cancer from radon by not monitoring: the amount of radon in your home, how much time you spend at home, and your smoking habits.
According to the Surgeon General, if you mix high levels of radon with smoking, you are in the highest risk group to have lung cancer. Together, radon and smoking are considered the top two lung cancer causing agents.
The WHO has also concluded that radon is not just a local problem, but a worldwide health risk right inside your own home.
"Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low and medium dose exposures in people's homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries," said Dr. Maria Neira of the WHO.
The Only Thing to Do
You must have your home tested for radon. You must know that the radon specialists you call are trained, experienced, and the best in the industry. Otherwise, you're putting your life in the hands of someone you can't trust.
When it comes to
radon mitigation in Connecticut, there's no reason to go to anyone but the best. Connecticut Basement Systems Radon, Inc. has become one of the largest radon companies in the U.S. Not to mention, it's the oldest radon company in Connecticut. They also offer well pumps and well water treatment. For a radon estimate in Connecticut contact Connecticut Basement Systems Radon toll free today at: 1-888-630-1018.
