What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is formed and released as a result of the breakdown of uranium, thorium, and radium, which are found in rocks, soil, and water.
How does it affect me, and how can I manage it?
Radon can enter buildings from the ground through cracks and openings in the foundation. When it accumulates indoors, it can become trapped, especially with poor ventilation. Radon can attach to dust and other particles in the air and negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ). And when inhaled, it can become lodged in the lungs, damaging the lung tissue and potentially lead to cancer over time.
Although there is no way to prevent radon from entering your buildings, you can take steps to reduce its presence. This can be as simple as improving ventilation through fans that are specifically designed for high-radon areas, and sealing openings, cracks, and crawl spaces.
How is it measured?
Radon is measured on the first floor and below. It is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The WELL Building Standard in Abound is set to less than 2 pCi/L.