Radon and other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the building. The trapped gases build up pressure. Air pressure inside homes is usually lower than the pressure in the soil.
Does radon gas rise from basement?
Because your basement is below ground, it's the first room that radon gas will reach as it rises from the soil to the air. Therefore, the concentration of radon gas in your basement will likely be higher than in any other room of your house.
Does radon move up?
Any home may have a radon problem. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.Nov 19, 2021
Does radon rise to second floor?
Radon is known to be a heavy gas. ... Please understand that the radon level can be significantly higher on an upper floor. Even if the radon level is lower on the first floor than say a basement radon level, it could be higher on the second floor. The only way to know is if you test.Apr 18, 2018
How long does radon stay in the air?
Once produced, radon moves through the ground to the air above. Some remains below the surface and dissolves in water that collects and flows under the ground's surface. Radon has a half-life of about four days - half of a given quantity of it breaks down every four days.
Does radon dissipate in the air?
Outdoor radon exposure allows the concentration to dissipate into the atmosphere where it becomes less of a concern. Wells and springs, particularly in areas with large or multiple underground deposits of granite or limestone, can harbor dangerous levels of radon gas.
Is radon gas heavy or light?
Radon gas is approximately 7.5 times heavier than air. It is however a noble gas with no chemical affinity but is easily influenced by air movements and pressure. In a house with forced air heating and cooling, radon gas can easily be distributed throughout the entire dwelling.Nov 29, 2021
Does radon rise in the air?
Radon can rise to dangerous levels when it becomes trapped inside your home or other buildings, often collecting in lower floors. Experts recommend testing for radon during the colder months because radon levels are historically found to be higher.
Does radon go upstairs?
Radon arrives predominately from the soil so the highest levels are almost always in the basement or lowest level of the home. If you have a basement and there is a door between the basement and the upper floors then the upper floors will likely have significantly lower levels.
Is radon always higher in basement?
Because radon comes from the earth's crust it is more commonly found in basements which are lower in the ground. Basements often also have porous walls or other access points that make it even easier for radon to slip in.Feb 28, 2019
Is radon higher upstairs or downstairs?
The reason behind this is that, it is is generally understood that radon, being a heavy gas, is highest in the lower level of the home. ... The unfinished basement radon level was slightly above 4 pCi/L, the first floor was lower at just above 2 pCi. L and one of the second floor bedrooms tested at above 8 pCi/L.Apr 18, 2018
Can radon levels be higher upstairs?
Please understand that the radon level can be significantly higher on an upper floor. Even if the radon level is lower on the first floor than say a basement radon level, it could be higher on the second floor.Apr 18, 2018
Can radon pass through floors?
Radon can enter through cracks in the concrete, or through floor-to-wall joints or control joints. Since many Illinois homes use their basements as living space, exposure to radon can be further increased. But radon can enter a home regardless of whether or not there is a basement.