Radon gas is a naturally occurring, odorless, and colorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes across the U.S. It’s one of the leading causes of lung cancer for non-smokers, so homeowners need to know how it infiltrates structures.
Identifying radon entry points can be the first step toward reducing exposure and creating a safer living environment. Here are some of the most common ways radon gas enters your home.
Cracks in the Foundation
Small cracks in your home’s foundation can act as gateways for radon gas. The soil underneath a property may have radon pockets, and the gas can easily creep inside.
Even hairline cracks can pose a problem. The natural pressure differences between the inside and outside of your home encourage radon to seep through, so don’t ignore a cracked foundation.
Air Leaks Around Pipes and Utility Lines
Another common way radon gas enters your home is through holes for water pipes, gas lines, or electrical utility lines. They often leave tiny air gaps where radon escapes from soil and indoors.
Small or improperly covered holes can allow the gas to enter undetected. Sealing gaps and leaks around utility openings can reduce radon accumulation in your home. You may need ventilation systems if you discover that your home has high radon levels.
Sump Pumps and Basement Drains
Your home’s sump pump or drainage systems may also act as entry points for radon gas. Since manufacturers design sump pumps to collect and remove water, they unintentionally open a pathway from the ground to your living space. Homes with unfinished basements or old drainage systems are more likely to have high radon levels.
Installing airtight covers or specialized seals over sump pumps and drains can reduce risks. Regular radon testing is important to ensure your upgrades are effective at keeping the gas out of your home.
Crawl Spaces Exposed to Soil
Homes with open crawl spaces or dirt floors are at higher risk of radon contamination. The soil underneath the crawl space may have radon pockets, which easily escape into your home if uncovered. This entry method is quite direct, letting the gas spread quickly into living spaces.
Encapsulating crawl spaces with vapor barriers or sealing the exposed soil can offer some protection. These measures are even more urgent if you live in an area with naturally high radon levels.
Porous Foundation Materials
Certain foundation materials, such as untreated concrete, are naturally porous. This porosity allows radon gas to seep through, even without visible cracks. The older the property, the higher the chances that outdated foundation materials might contribute to the radon problem.
Modern epoxy sealants and radon mitigation systems can limit exposure. Affordable Radon Services offers a routine radon gas testing service to help you verify current radon levels in your home.
Well Water
If your home uses well water, radon could be entering through the taps. Underground water sources near radon pockets often carry dissolved radon gas, which escapes into your household air during showering or cooking. Though this is less common than soil leaks, elevated radon levels from well water can still pose a danger.
Affordable Radon Services offers professional radon gas testing to measure levels and identify high-risk zones. Get ahead of potential health risks by scheduling a radon test with us today!
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