Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless gas that has been proven to be dangerous to human and even animal life. If you live in a house with elevated radon levels, you are harming yourself and your furry companions. Learning about the signs of radon in your home is essential and taking the proper steps at the right time.
While it is recommended for everyone to get a radon test regardless of whether they experience the signs or not, there are a few things you should look out for. If you find these signs, get a home radon test today.
Signs there is radon in your house.
- Cracks in the concrete foundation.
One of the most common ways radon enters a home is through the holes and cracks in the foundation. Radon present in the soil can seep under your home and make its way to your basement through the spaces in your home’s concrete foundation. Although these cracks do not prove dangerous in terms of structural stability, they can certainly elevate the radon levels.
Check the foundation of your home and look for vertical cracks. If you notice such cracks, call a radon testing professional immediately and conduct a test. Ignoring such issues or waiting for the symptoms to develop can worsen the situation.
- Leaks in your basement.
Leaks in your basement also make a good path for radon to enter your house. As mentioned in the first point, cracks and holes in the concrete foundation can elevate the radon levels. Basement leaks are not very different from them.
If you have been noticing leaks but ignoring them, it is time you start repairing them. You must resolve the issue as soon as possible to protect your family and pets.
- Bowed foundation walls.
A bowed foundation wall is also a sign of radon in your home. A wall may become bowed due to expansive soils and hydrostatic pressure. A bowed wall may also lead to cracks in the foundation, which makes way for radon. If you notice your foundation walls are bowed, call a professional team to fix them. Next, call the radon testing company to check the radon levels.
- Health effects.
Lastly, experiencing health effects is a major sign of radon presence. If the following happens to you, you are probably a victim of radon poisoning.
- A persistent cough
- Blood is coming out while coughing
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pains
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
Radon is also one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. You do not want to deal with such a fatal disease. Contact professional services today.