What is Radon?

So, what is radon? Simply put, it's a radioactive gas that

is produced by the natural decay of uranium in the soil. When radon is released into the air, it's not a big deal. However, when it gets trapped inside buildings, it can build up and become a health hazard. Now, you might be thinking, "But I don't live near a nuclear power plant or anything like that. Why should I be concerned about radon?" Well, the truth is that radon can be found in any building, regardless of its location. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States has elevated levels of radon. So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from radon? The first step is to test your home for radon. You can purchase a do-it-yourself test kit from a hardware store or hire a professional (ie Wilmen Home!) to test for you. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, there are several ways to mitigate the problem, including installing a ventilation system or sealing cracks in your foundation. Now, I know what you're thinking: "This is all very informative, but where's the fun?" Well, the truth is that radon isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. However, I did come across a rather amusing tidbit in my research. Apparently, in the 1950s and 1960s, some people believed that radon was good for your health! In fact, there were "radon spas" in Europe where people would go to soak in water that had high levels of radon. Of course, we now know that this is a terrible idea, but it just goes to show how much our understanding of science has evolved over the years. In conclusion, while radon may not be the most exciting topic in the world, it's certainly something that Chicagoland residents should be aware of. So, if you haven't tested your home for radon yet, what are you waiting for? It's better to be safe than sorry!