January is “Radon Action Month” in the United States, making it the perfect time to begin your journey into radon monitoring and awareness. If it’s something you haven’t explored before, smart radon detectors can, quite literally, be a lifesaver.
What is Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in soil and rock. It's formed by the decay of uranium, which is present in varying amounts in soil and rocks. "It's a 'silent killer'," shares Airthings CEO, Oyvind Birkenes. "You simply can’t feel or detect its presence on your own, despite it being common in areas all around the world."
The dangers of radon are well-documented, especially how it increases the risk of lung cancer. Birkenes confirms, sharing that "Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, claiming the lives of roughly 21,000 Americans each year—six times more than home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning combined. Since it’s second nature for nearly everyone to have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as well, we believe it’s in everyone’s best interest to think about radon contamination the same way." Taking steps to monitor for unsafe levels of radon in your home starts with adopting tools for dependable radon detection.
Why is continuous radon monitoring important?
"Contrary to the popular belief that a one-time test is good enough, continuous monitoring is so important because it’s the only way to gain an accurate understanding of radon levels over time. [Continuous readings] confirm if you have a serious issue, or perhaps, luckily, a more transient one," shares Birkenes.
The factors that influence its presence can fluctuate dramatically:
- Shifting climatic conditions
- Temperature
- Atmospheric pressure
- Precipitation
- Construction or Reconstruction
"Additionally, when it comes to seasonality, radon levels almost always increase," cautions Birkenes. "The main cause for rising levels likely is that we are shutting our windows to block out the chill in the air without realizing that the area is predisposed to higher radon levels in its geological makeup."
"Monitoring deadly radon gas over long periods allows you to understand the average of radon levels and determine whether you have a long-term problem or a short-term variation from the norm. You can also check out Airthings’ handy, free online tool, RadonMap.com, which allows you to plug in your ZIP code and see if the active radon levels in your area are cause for concern. While it won’t be able to pinpoint your exact street or property, the data is crowdsourced from Airthings’ already-deployed active radon testing devices, so it’s a constantly updated and helpful supportive asset for gaining awareness about average readings relative to your region’s levels of radon exposure."
Is radon a problem in my home?
The short answer is: You won’t know until you test for it. "There’s a misconception that elevated radon levels are most commonly associated with older homes. While this may be partially true in some instances, as radon accumulation is most concentrated closer to the ground and many older homes have basements and lower levels, there can be factors in play that actually make new houses more susceptible to dangerous radon conditions," shares Birkenes.
He adds, "Many newly-built homes are built following excavation conducted during construction. This involves drilling down into the rock formations of the earth’s surface, and is one of the most commonly associated causes for radon spikes and prolonged elevated levels."
Radon also can seep through homes resting on cracked foundations or other gaps in the ground. "When it occurs in a place that is already known for its radon levels, the issue can become exacerbated," warns Birkenes. "Additionally, new homes tend to be built and finished with extremely “tight” construction, whether it be ensuring there are no gaps that will allow drafts through windows or doorways, or packing the walls full of insulation. While this may be ideal for keeping residents warm, excessive insulation in homes with poor ventilation can lead to an unintended circumstance—trapping radon inside."
Great Products for Radon Monitoring
View Radon
MSRP: $199
- This WiFi-connected smart monitor offers always-on visibility into radon levels in your home.
- Modern design
- Accurate readings
- It's a great fit for always-on radon detection in basements and ground floors where radon levels are usually the highest.
View Plus Continuous Radon Monitor
MSRP: $299
- Connect more devices. View Plus is a comprehensive indoor air quality monitor, perfect for anyone looking to combine radon monitoring and smart features with a more holistic understanding of their overall indoor air quality.
- WiFi-connected
- It integrates an eInk screen reader and monitors 7 aspects of air quality, including radon, particulate matter (PM 2.5), VOCs, humidity, CO2, temperature and air pressure.
Corentium Home Digital Radon Detector
MSRP: $149
- Handheld unit—but not wi-fi enabled.
- Quickly generate a radon self-inspection report to document or share your readings.
- Runs cable-free on batteries for up to 2 years.
- Better than traditional radon test kits, the Corentium home radon detector has no lab fees. And unlike traditional radon gas test kits, you can check your readings whenever you need to.
Available at: walmart.com and Airthings.com
What to Do if You Have High Radon Levels
While most radon issues are easy to fix, radon is dangerous and should be taken seriously. That starts with long-term monitoring and learning about your own radon risk.
- If your radon levels are in the high range for more than a month, you should contact a radon professional. The EPA offers suggestions on choosing a radon mitigator and WHO provides information on radon action levels.
- Homes with persistent but not dangerously high radon levels can make easy fixes, such as adding ventilation, patching up holes in the foundation of their structures, or implementing regular monitoring.
Through sufficient ventilation or radon mitigation, you can help to ensure that dangerous levels do not collect inside—and potentially save lives in the long run. The first step to taking action against radon starts with monitoring your radon levels today.
