8 Signs of Radon in Your Home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in homes across the country. It’s odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. 

Radon gas can cause lung cancer, so it’s important to know if you have a radon problem in your home. Here are eight signs of radon in your home:

Note: These symptoms aren’t necessarily radon-related but can be caused by other issues. So, see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Pain or Tightness in the Chest

If you have a radon problem, the gas can enter your body through your lungs. It attaches itself to red blood cells and causes them to break down. The result is that you feel pain or tightness in the chest when breathing deeply. 

The most problematic part is that radon gas cannot be smelled or seen. The only way to detect radon in your home is through testing. So, if you notice any symptoms of radon poisoning, opt for professional radon gas testing.

Dysphagia or Trouble Swallowing

Dysphagia is a medical condition that causes you to have trouble swallowing. If you have dysphagia, eating and drinking can be very painful. Radon gas poisoning can cause your throat to swell up, making it difficult to swallow food or drink.

Persistent Wheezing Cough

Radon gas can affect the respiratory system, causing a persistent cough and wheezing. A very common cause of wheezing and coughing is asthma, but if you have a radon gas problem in your home, you should consider it a possible cause. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen over time.

Chronic Headaches

If you have a radon gas problem in your home, you may experience headaches. The headaches are usually mild and will go away after a few hours. However, if they continue to worsen over time or worsen, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the air quality in your home. 

Besides visiting your general physician, you should also consider radon gas testing to rule out the risk of radon poisoning.

Muscle Mass Loss

If you have a radon gas problem in your home, you may experience muscle mass loss. Prolonged radon exposure can cause a significant amount of muscle mass loss within the span of a few weeks. 

The loss of muscle mass can lead to fatigue and weakness. If you suspect a radon gas problem in your home, it is important to address it immediately.

Raspy Voice

If you have a radon gas problem in your home, you may experience a raspy voice. This is because it can be difficult to speak clearly if you are experiencing shortness of breath and coughing. 

If you notice a change in your voice accompanied by shortness of breath and coughing, it could be a sign of radon problem in your home.

Coughing up Blood

Long-term radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. And coughing up blood is a common sign of the said disease. Here’s a brief explanation of how radon affects your lungs: Inhalation of radon can lead to lung cancer. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that breaks down into smaller particles when it enters your lungs. These small particles can stay in your lungs and form tumors. The longer you are exposed to radon, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that causes irritation of your airways and makes it difficult for you to breathe. It can be triggered by exposure to radon, making you more likely to develop chronic bronchitis. Other symptoms include coughing, mucus production, and chest tightness.

Final Word

All the symptoms mentioned above aren’t necessarily a sign of radon in your home. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect radon is in your home, get it tested as soon as possible. The sooner you get rid of it, the less damage it will cause to your health and well-being.