Radon and Indoor Air Quality: Winter’s Hidden Health Risk
As winter sets in, your home becomes sealed up tightly to conserve heat. But this also means radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas, can build up indoors, posing a hidden health risk. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and winter’s reduced ventilation can make it worse.
Why Radon Levels Rise in Winter
1. Sealed Homes Trap Radon
Windows and doors are closed to keep heat in, but this also traps radon inside, raising indoor concentrations.
2. Pressure Changes Increase Radon Entry
Cold air and pressure shifts can draw radon more easily into your home, especially in basements or crawl spaces.
3. Heating Systems Circulate Radon
Your heating system can push radon through the home, spreading the gas more evenly and raising concentrations.
The Health Risks of Radon
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Long-term exposure to high radon levels is dangerous, and the gas is impossible to detect without testing.
What You Can Do
1. Test for Radon
Testing is simple and essential. Winter is a great time to check if your home has elevated radon levels.
2. Install a Radon Mitigation System
If your levels are high, a radon mitigation system will vent radon safely outside, protecting your family.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Even in winter, keep air flowing in your home with solutions like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs).
Protect Your Family This Winter
At Radon Systems LLC, we’re here to help keep your home safe from radon. Contact us today to schedule a radon test or install a mitigation system before the cold weather hits.
