Radon starts out as a heavy metal called uranium, then turns into an invisible radioactive gas that you can't smell, see or taste. This process occurs when the uranium decays and turns into another metal called radium. Then as the radium breaks down, it becomes radon.
Some areas of the country have higher concentrations of radon gas. Hamilton county in Ohio is labeled as zone 1 by the EPA (view interactive map here).
Structures that are built from the ground up, such as homes, are likely to have small cracks in the floors/walls or small openings for pipes or wiring that aren't fully sealed. Radon from the ground can escape though these unsealed openings and get into the indoor living space. It is possible for radon to get trapped in any enclosed area, but the levels are often highest in basements and crawl spaces since they are closest to the ground.
Symptoms of Exposure
According to the EPA...
"There are no immediate symptoms from exposures to radon. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure."
Radon Testing
Area Wide Home Inspection is licensed to measure radon levels. Testing takes 48 hours once the test begins and results are available immediately after the testing is complete. Once you know the radon level in your home, you can then take appropriate action to have it addressed if necessary.
Read about ALL the services offered by Area Wide Home Inspection on the website.