January was Radon Action Month, which put a spotlight on the health risks posed by elevated concentrations of radon in indoor air. Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is produced as the uranium which is present in soil, rock and water breaks down. As a recognized carcinogenic, the EPA estimates that exposure to radon gas is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year.
Radon can enter our living spaces at any time in the year—for example through cracks in floors and walls, gaps around service pipes or through construction joints—and indoor air quality should therefore be tested regularly to ensure that indoor radon concentrations are below recommended levels. But, indoor radon levels tend to be highest in the winter months (followed by summer, with levels lowest in spring and fall), which means now is a good time to revisit radon risks at your property.
Why Cold Weather Exacerbates Radon Risks
As the cold winter weather begins to sweep the country, people are bundling up, closing their windows and doors, and spending more time indoors. As everyone seals up their homes and offices, ventilation is reduced and radon that may otherwise dissipate can be trapped to accumulate within the indoor space, creating significant health risks to occupants.
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