Radon is a dangerous gas you can’t see, smell, or taste. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer, right after smoking. Understanding where radon comes from and how it gets into our homes is key to keeping your family safe. Let’s dive into the origins of radon, how it enters homes, and how to get rid of it, with a focus on New Jersey.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless, which means you can’t detect it without special tools. Because radon is radioactive, breathing it in over long periods poses a significant health risk.

This gas can move through building materials and accumulate inside houses, making it especially dangerous. Radon seeps from the ground into homes and can build up to harmful levels if not properly addressed. Regular testing and mitigation are crucial to keep your home safe.

Natural Sources of Radon

Radon is naturally produced from the decay of uranium and thorium in the earth’s crust. As these elements break down, radon gas is released and can move through soil and rock. This process happens everywhere, but some areas have higher radon levels due to the local geology.

Regions with high uranium levels in the soil, like parts of New Jersey, often have higher radon levels. The gas travels through cracks and gaps in the ground, eventually finding its way into homes and buildings.

How Radon Enters Homes

Radon usually gets into homes from the soil. It moves up through the ground and enters buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and construction joints. Basements and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable because they are closest to the ground.

In New Jersey, some homes are more at risk due to high radon potential in certain areas. For example, homes in Sussex and Warren counties often have higher radon levels because of the local geology.

Radon can also enter homes through well water. If the water supply is contaminated with radon, activities like showering and cooking can release the gas into the air. In New Jersey, homes that rely on well water should have both the air and water tested for radon.

Geographical Distribution of Radon

Radon levels vary widely depending on where you live. In New Jersey, some areas are more likely to have high radon levels due to their geological makeup. The state has identified several radon “hot spots” where residents need to be more cautious.

Areas like the Highlands in northern New Jersey are known for higher radon levels. Factors like soil composition, rock types, and even past mining activities can contribute to these elevated levels.

In addition to natural factors, human activities can also influence radon levels. For example, urban areas with a lot of construction and industrial activity might experience higher radon levels due to disturbed soil and increased building materials.

Human Activities and Radon Levels

Certain human activities, like mining and construction, can affect radon levels. Mining disturbs the ground and can release radon from deeper layers. Construction practices, especially in foundations and basements, can either help control or increase radon levels.

In New Jersey, historical mining areas like the Highlands have higher radon levels. Modern building practices aimed at improving energy efficiency can sometimes trap radon inside homes, increasing indoor concentrations.

Additionally, demolition and excavation projects can disrupt the ground and release radon. Areas undergoing significant development should be particularly vigilant about radon testing and mitigation.

Detecting and Measuring Radon

To detect radon, you need specialized testing kits. There are short-term and long-term radon test kits available for homeowners. Short-term tests give quick results, while long-term tests provide a more accurate average radon level over time.

In New Jersey, it’s recommended to test homes for radon every two years or after significant renovations. Regular testing ensures that radon levels stay below the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

Testing for radon is simple and can be done by homeowners or professionals. DIY test kits are available at hardware stores, but for more accurate results, it’s best to hire a certified radon tester. Professional testers have advanced equipment and can provide more precise readings.

Mitigating Radon Risks

Reducing radon levels involves various techniques. The most common method is soil suction, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it outside. Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation also helps prevent radon from getting in.

In New Jersey, many homeowners have successfully lowered radon levels by installing mitigation systems. Customer stories highlight the effectiveness of these systems and stress the importance of professional radon mitigation.

Other mitigation methods include sub-slab depressurization, which involves creating a vacuum under the foundation to draw radon out, and house pressurization, which uses a fan to blow air into the house and prevent radon from entering. Each home is different, so it’s important to work with a professional to determine the best mitigation strategy.

Knowing where radon comes from and how it gets into homes is essential for keeping your family safe. Regular testing and professional mitigation are crucial steps in protecting against this invisible threat. If you live in New Jersey, especially in areas with high radon levels, take action now. Contact Jersey Radon for a free estimate and make sure your home is radon-free.