Signs of Radon Poisoning In Your Home

A radon inspection is one of those things you imagine you will never have to think about, until you realize you really need it. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from uranium decay in the soil. Much like carbon monoxide in the home, there are no indicators it is there to the family – except the symptoms they suffer.  Radon is a colorless, odorless gas which comes from the soil underneath and surrounding your home. As it is also a radioactive material, long enough exposure at high enough levels can increase your risk of cancer. Radon is a Class A carcinogen, and radon induced lung cancer is responsible for 15,000-22,000 deaths per year, according to the US EPA and US Surgeon General. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.  Smokers, or those who may have smoked in the past, may be at an even higher risk from radon exposure than non-smokers.

Radon Poisoning Symptoms

Unfortunately, if you are already having any of these symptoms, your radon exposure may have been high. Yet, as some of these symptoms can also be blamed on other causes, it is important to know that they may mean you need a radon inspection just in case.

Symptoms of radon poisoning include:

• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent respiratory problems like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Bloody phlegm

These symptoms will manifest from a long-term exposure to radon. There are really no symptoms for short-term exposure. The symptoms can take years to develop, and there isn’t a way to remove radon from your body. This is why it is imperative that you have your home tested today.

While you can’t remove radon from your body after exposure, you can have it removed from your home, but only if you know it is there. As radon gas can happen virtually anywhere in the United States, it is recommended that you have a home tested for radon before buying it. This ensures your family isn’t exposed to radon in the new area you are living in. Even if radon is present, concentrations can be lowered to acceptable levels, and radon resistant features can be installed. If radon was found on the property, and a mitigation system was installed, it is recommended that you re-test every two years to make sure the radon mitigation is working effectively.

Bee Sure Home Inspections has had years of experience in radon testing in both residential and commercial buildings. Give us a call today to schedule your inspection appointment. We proudly serve Libertyville, Vernon Hills, IL & more!