Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is radon poisoning and exposure?
- How common is radon poisoning and exposure?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of radon poisoning and exposure?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What are the causes of radon poisoning and exposure?
- Diagnosis & treatment
- How do doctors diagnose radon poisoning and exposure?
- How do you deal with radon poisoning and exposure?
- Prevention
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to prevent radon poisoning and exposure?
Definition
What is radon poisoning and exposure?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced naturally when uranium, thorium, and radium break down in soil, rock, and water. Radon will then be released into the air. This radioactive gas is odorless, tasteless, and invisible to the eye. Radon can accumulate in places where the air flow is not smooth, for example in underground mines or in buildings. Long-term exposure to radon is harmful to your health.
How common is radon poisoning and exposure?
About one in 15 residential homes is thought to have high levels of radon. The highest levels are usually found in basement or on the first floor.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of radon poisoning and exposure?
Radon you around humans. You may even inhale it every day, at low levels. You cannot detect the high levels of radon you are inhaling. This is what makes radon exposure dangerous, you can't guess the levels by any means. You also won't have any symptoms if you are exposed to radon.
If it comes to radon poisoning, the symptoms are similar to lung cancer, namely:
- Cough that doesn't go away
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bleeding cough
- Wheezing (wheezing giggle)
- Hoarseness
- Many times getting respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have signs and symptoms as above, or have questions and concerns, please consult your doctor. The conditions and symptoms of poisoning can vary from person to person. Always discuss with your doctor to refer you to the best diagnostic and treatment methods for you.
Cause
What are the causes of radon poisoning and exposure?
Radon exposure occurs when you inhale it. Radon in large quantities can be found in office buildings, schools and other buildings. Most people are even exposed to radon at home because they are at home so much more often than anywhere else.
Radon emerges from the ground into the house through cracks or cracks in the foundation of the house. Once through the gap, radon will then be trapped inside and gradually build up. Radon can also be found at home through well water. Although rare, home building materials have also been shown to be capable of releasing radon into buildings.
Radon exposure can occur in any home, no matter who has basement or not, to those constructed from plywood or gypsum. However, the types of homes most susceptible to radon exposure are those that:
- There is no air circulation
- Built in areas where the soil is rich in uranium, thorium and radium content
Diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How do doctors diagnose radon poisoning and exposure?
There is no medical examination that can measure how much exposure you have to radon gas. So you have to be very careful about signs and symptoms similar to lung cancer, even if you do not smoke.
How do you deal with radon poisoning and exposure?
There are no therapies that can cure radon poisoning. When a person is suspected of having radon poisoning, the exposure should be reduced as much as possible to prevent further lung damage. All sources of radon should be checked, especially the air in the patient's home. Every effort is made to minimize radon exposure.
It's also important to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer, which is the only health condition known to result from radon poisoning. You should also quit smoking to prevent lung cancer caused by radon.
Prevention
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to prevent radon poisoning and exposure?
Here are changes and measures to prevent radon poisoning and exposure:
- Seal any gaps or openings such as in walls, floors, cement, and anything that allows radon to enter the house.
- Install a special system to reduce radon in the ground, such as a fan or vent pipe 7 to 10 cm long. These vents will direct the radon out of the house through the pipe, rather than into the house.
- Leave space or a porous layer on top of the foundation of the house, then cover it with plastic. This is useful so that radon from the ground and foundation cannot penetrate to the floor in the house.
Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.