How Radon Impacts Children's Health and Steps to Reduce Their Risk
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. While harmless in outdoor environments, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside homes and buildings. Alarmingly, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, contributing to approximately 21,000 deaths annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of radon due to their developing bodies and higher breathing rates. Below, we explore the risks of radon exposure and actionable steps to safeguard your family.
Radon in Delaware: A Local Perspective
In Delaware, 15.4% of radon test results reveal levels at or above the EPA’s recommended action threshold of 4 pCi/L. This places Delaware 17th among all states, ranking above the national average in radon prevalence. With radon being present in more than one out of every ten tested homes, it’s vital to address this risk, particularly for children who are more susceptible to its effects.
How Radon Puts Children at Risk
Higher Risk for Young Lungs
Children exposed to radon have an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer later in life. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that their developing respiratory systems and higher rate of breathing per minute make them more vulnerable than adults.
Common Areas of Exposure
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Basements and Play Areas
Radon typically enters through cracks and openings in the foundation, making basements a hot spot for high levels. In homes where children frequently play in the basement, exposure can exceed the EPA’s action level, posing serious risks. -
Schools and Daycare Centers
Public buildings are not exempt from radon risks. A nationwide study found that approximately 1 in 5 schools in the U.S. has at least one room with elevated radon levels. Testing and mitigation efforts can protect the health of countless children. -
Well Water Contamination
In rural areas of Delaware, radon in well water can contribute to indoor radon levels. Activities such as cooking or showering release radon from water into the air, compounding exposure risks.
Steps to Reduce Radon Exposure for Delaware Families
1. Test Your Home
Testing is simple, affordable, and highly effective. Radon test kits can detect whether your home’s levels exceed the EPA’s recommended limit of 4 pCi/L.
2. Install a Mitigation System
Professional radon mitigation systems can reduce indoor radon levels by up to 99%. In Delaware, where elevated radon levels are relatively common, this is a critical step in creating a safer home environment.
3. Advocate for School Testing
Encourage your local schools and daycare centers to conduct radon testing. This proactive step can protect children and provide peace of mind for families across the state.
4. Check Your Water Source
If your home relies on well water, consider testing it for radon. Specialized water treatment systems, such as aeration units, can address elevated radon levels in water supplies.
Take Action Today
Radon exposure is a real but preventable health risk. By testing your home, ensuring mitigation where needed, and advocating for broader testing in schools and daycare centers, you can significantly reduce the danger for your family.
Protect your loved ones by starting with a simple test. Visit www.lawsonhomeservices.com to request a free radon test kit and take the first step toward a healthier environment for your children to grow and thrive.
