Does radon gas smell? When it comes to home safety, we are conditioned to rely on our senses. If we note a rotten egg smell, we know a gas leak may be present. If we see smoke coming from a room, we know to get out of the home and call for help. If we hear a weather siren, our instincts let us know to take cover and avoid windows.
But when it involves radon gas, the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, our biological warning systems fail us completely.
The short answer is no – radon gas does not smell Radon gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making the ability to detect it virtually impossible…without the appropriate equipment. So, what are signs that radon might be present? And how can we combat rising levels of radon?
What Are the Signs of Radon Gas in a House?
One of the most dangerous aspects of radon is that there are no immediate physical signs of its presence in a home. Other odorless gases, like carbon monoxide, at least trigger health issues and physical symptoms, but not radon. You won’t get a headache, you won’t feel dizzy, and your eyes won’t itch. In fact, any health risks are long-term, meaning it could be years before you realize it.
That said, the following can be warning signs that your radon levels are high:
- Chronic Respiratory Issues: A persistent, unexplained cough or frequent bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Neighboring Results: If nearby homes have tested high, your home likely shares the same radon-heavy soil.
- Foundation Vulnerabilities: Visible cracks in basement floors, walls, or gaps around service pipes that allow gas to seep in.
- High-Risk Home Layout: Homes with basements, crawl spaces, or those with very tight insulation that traps air inside.
Keep in mind, though, that most “signs” of radon aren’t really something you can take note of. This is why it’s important to have a professional radon expert test for it regularly to ensure your levels are where they need to be.
Why Is Radon So Dangerous?
When radon decays, it produces radon daughters, known as polonium-218 and polonium-214. These are solid radioactive particles that attach to dust in the air. When inhaled, they stick to the sensitive lining of the lungs, where they continue to emit alpha radiation. This radiation can cause mutations in lung cells that eventually turn into cancer.
What does this mean? It means that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States alone. It’s the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and is the number one cause for non-smokers.
While lung cancer is the only definitively confirmed and primary health hazard, research increasingly suggests that radon’s subatomic “wrecking ball” effect may contribute to other serious health issues and even economic risks, as well.
How Can I Tell If My Home Has High Radon Levels?
Since you can’t smell it or see it, testing is the only way to know if your home’s radon levels are in an acceptable range. The EPA recommends that every home be tested, regardless of its age, foundation type, or geographical location. Even if your neighbor’s house tested low, yours could be high due to local soil composition.
What radon level is considered “safe?” Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
- 0.4 pCi/L: The average outdoor radon level.
- 1.3 pCi/L: The average indoor radon level.
- 4.0 pCi/L: The EPA “Action Level.” If your home tests at or above this, you must take action to mitigate.
- 2.0–4.0 pCi/L: The EPA suggests considering mitigation even at these lower levels, as there is no truly “safe” amount of radiation.
How Can I Fix High Radon Levels?
If your radon test comes back with high radon levels, don’t panic. Radon is dangerous, yes, but it’s also one of the easiest environmental hazards to fix. Cue radon mitigation.
The most common method of radon mitigation is known as active sub-slab depressurization. It involves installing a dedicated vent pipe and a specialized fan that draws radon from beneath your home’s foundation and safely exhausts it outside. It’s a straightforward, permanent fix that transforms a hidden risk into a manageable part of home maintenance.
As your local experts, we specialize in designing systems that fit your home’s unique footprint, ensuring the air your family breathes is cleaner, safer, and better regulated.
We’re Your Local Radon Mitigation Experts
So, can you smell or see radon? No. But you can control it. As your local mitigation experts, we’re here to turn that uncertainty into peace of mind by providing professional, reliable solutions through Missoula and the surrounding areas.
Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance. Take the first step toward a healthier home and contact Murphy Radon today for a consultation.