Where does Radon come from?

Most indoor radon enters homes from the soil or rock beneath it when Radon and other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the house. When warm air rises naturally inside the home, it creates a vacuum in the lower areas of the house. The natural reaction to this vacuum is air from beneath the structure containing radon is sucked up into the home through openings (cracks, doors, windows) on the lower levels. Radon gas enters the same way air and other soil gases enter the home; through cracks in the foundation floor or walls, hollow-block walls, and openings around floor drains, heating and cooling ductwork, pipes, and sump pumps. Once inside, the radon can become trapped and concentrated.

Outdoor air that is drawn into a building can also contribute to the indoor radon level. However, the average outdoor air level of radon is normally so low that it does not create a problem

Radon may also be dissolved in water, particularly well water. After coming from a faucet, about one ten thousandth of the radon in water is typically released into the air. The more radon there is in the water, the more it can contribute to the indoor radon level.

Trace amounts of uranium are sometimes incorporated into materials used in construction. These include, but are not limited to concrete, brick, granite, and drywall. Though these materials have the potential to produce radon, they are rarely the main cause of an elevated radon level in a building.

Radon has been found in elevated levels in many counties throughout North Carolina. However homes in the coastal plain of North Carolina usually have low radon levels, while the upper piedmont and mountain areas have the greatest proportion of homes with elevated levels of radon.

What are the health risk of Radon?

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US behind smoking. It is estimated that radon causes about 24,000-30,000 deaths per year.

The health risk from radon occurs when it is inhaled. Radon gas decays or breaks down into radioactive particles which can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer. Lung cancer risk is based on years of exposure and the concentration of radon to which one is exposed. The higher the radon level and number of years of exposure, the greater one's risk of developing lung cancer.

Breathing radon does not cause any short-term health effects such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, or fever.

Research suggests that swallowing water with high radon levels may pose risks, too, although risks from drinking water containing radon are much lower than those from breathing air containing radon.

How do I know if I have high levels of Radon?

While radon problems may be more common in the upper piedmont and mountain counties of North Carolina, any home may have an elevated radon level. New and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements can have a problem. The only way to determine the level is to conduct a radon test.

In addition, indoor radon levels vary from home to home. Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood - even ones next door - to estimate the radon level in your home.

It is highly recommended that anyone having their home measured or mitigated for radon have it done by someone that is certified by either the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

What do I do about Radon?

Contact Radon Reduction Services. We will work with you to install a system that lowers the levels by piping the radon laden air out of the house before it has a chance to enter the living area.  We will work with you to design a system that is the least visible to you as possible.

Why should I use a certified mitigator for testing instead of buying a cheaper test kit from a hardware store?

Placement of the radon test kits are crtitcal to obtaining a correct reading. If placed in the wrong place ,during certain weather condiiotns, or with a omproperly handled test kit, You may receive an incorrect reading. An incorrect reading may inidcatye you do not have high readins and therefore your exposure to this class A carcingoen would continue if you took no actions. An incoorect high reading may make you decide to install a radon system needlessly.

Why should I use Radon Reduction Services

If you have any questions please contact us via e-mail or phone. We treat every home like it was our own and will perform the work for less than any of our competitors.

Moss Lake NC residents and non smoking victims receive special discount!