Radon and Exercising in the Basement

Do you exercise in your basement? Radon, an invisible and radioactive gas that rises from the ground, poses a serious health risk, especially in lower areas like basements. Learn more about radon, its potential health implications, and the surprisingly simple steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. A quick and inexpensive radon test can make your workout space safer than ever.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon is an invisible gas that comes from the soil below the home’s foundation. It’s a radioactive gas that may cause lung cancer. It is heavier than air so lower areas of homes and buildings, such as basements, are usually more affected. Basements, rooms over concrete slabs, and areas over crawl spaces can have high radon levels. The risk of radon depends on how often you’re exposed to it, and what levels are present in the building. According to the EPA, radon kills more than 20,000 people per year, it’s the number one cause of  lung cancer among non-smokers. 

Exposure to Radon in Basements

As one ventures into the basement for the daily workout routine, the prospect of an unnoticed health hazard may not immediately come to mind. However, it is worth noting that radon gas could be secretly present in the air during activities such as weightlifting or aerobic exercises. This invisible yet harmful gas emerges from the ground, and its connection to lung cancer adds a layer of significance to its casual perception. Because basements are usually turned into home gyms and they’re downstairs, they’re more likely to have higher radon levels. It’s kind of ironic—you’re trying to stay fit, but you might be unknowingly breathing in more of this gas that’s linked to a higher risk of lung cancer. Understanding that radon may be present in your home and can pose a health risk to you and your family is the first step to protect your wellbeing.

Radon Testing is Easy and Inexpensive

There are many test kit manufacturers across the country. These radon test kits can be long-term or short-term. They are simple devices that can measure the radon levels in your home. If your level is greater than 4 pCi/L, the EPA says you should take action to reduce radon. The EPA website states that the level of 4 in non-smokers is equal to the risk of dying in a car crash. The WHO takes it a step further and they say you should take action if your levels are greater than 2.7 pCi/L. Our experienced professionals can perform a radon test in your home to determine how much radon is present, after this, the installation of a radon mitigation system will help keep radon levels down indoors.

Can Radon be Eliminated?

Because radon is radioactive, it’s constantly decaying. You’re not able to clean it up but you can reduce the levels of radon indoors. When you have measurable levels in your home, it is because new gas is replacing that which is decaying. So when radon is high, the way you reduce it is by installing a permanent radon mitigation system. The systems create constant vacuum in the soil under basements, concrete slabs and crawl spaces. As the gas works its way up from the ground beneath the house, it is captured by the system and vented to a safe elevation above the roofline. From there, the radon dissipates into the atmosphere. Our certified radon mitigation system installers have been trained to properly fix the problem and keep your home safe.

If you spend a lot of time in your basement, working out, watching movies, or you use it as an extra bedroom, a radon test can give you peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are safe from this toxic gas.