Radon gas is a silent health hazard that can seep into your home without warning. This odorless, colorless gas forms naturally in the soil and can enter through cracks in your foundation or other small gaps. Long-term radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, leading many to wonder if an air purifier may help remove radon gas from their home.
While air purifiers are excellent for improving indoor air quality, this article will explore when their use should be supplemented with other measures—and when to consult an expert.
What is Radon Gas?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It moves through the ground and can enter homes through foundation cracks, construction joints, or even gaps around service pipes.
The biggest concern with radon is its health impact. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer, making it a serious issue for homeowners. Testing your home for radon is essential, especially in areas known for higher radon levels.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers are devices designed to clean the air in your home by removing particles, allergens, and harmful contaminants.
They use filters like HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) or activated carbon to trap and neutralize various pollutants.
- HEPA filters target airborne particles such as dust and pollen.
- Activated carbon filters absorb odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
While these features make an air purifier excellent for general indoor air quality, radon gas poses unique challenges to remove from a home.
Can They Remove Radon Gas?
Air purifiers are not designed to completely remove any kind of gas. While models equipped with activated carbon filters can help reduce radon decay products (small radioactive particles), they are not effective in eliminating the gas itself.
Radon gas is lighter than air and can easily bypass standard filtration systems. To fully address radon, you need dedicated radon mitigation methods, which focus on reducing radon levels at the source rather than attempting to filter it out after it has entered your home.
Preventing Radon in Your Home
Keeping radon gas out of your home starts with understanding how it gets inside. Radon enters through cracks in your foundation, gaps around pipes, or even through the soil beneath your house.
While it’s impossible to eliminate radon completely, there are effective ways to reduce its levels and protect your family:
- Seal visible cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation or walls to block radon entry points.
- Install a sub-slab depressurization system, a proven solution that redirects radon gas safely outside.
- Ventilate basements and crawl spaces to help dilute radon and keep it from accumulating indoors.
Testing your home for radon regularly is also critical. Even if levels are low today, soil shifts and seasonal changes can cause levels to rise over time.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Radon isn’t the only invisible hazard that can affect your home. Regular maintenance is key to identifying and fixing issues that may compromise your safety or comfort. Here are a few habits to adopt:
- Schedule radon testing every few years to ensure levels remain safe, even if mitigation systems are in place.
- Inspect and maintain your HVAC system to promote better air circulation and remove other pollutants.
- Address moisture problems in your basement or crawl spaces, as damp conditions can worsen air quality and create an ideal environment for mold.
When to Call a Professional
Radon is not a problem to leave to guesswork. While basic measures like sealing cracks or improving ventilation can help, only a professional can accurately assess radon levels and recommend the best solutions for your home.
Certified radon specialists use precise testing equipment to determine whether radon levels are within safe limits. If elevated levels are found, they can install specialized mitigation systems that are tailored to your home’s unique layout and needs.
It’s also wise to involve a professional if you’re moving into a new home, especially in areas with a history of high radon levels. They can conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the property is safe before you settle in.
Conclusion
Air purifiers are great for improving indoor air quality, but they’re not a solution for removing radon gas. Addressing radon requires focused efforts like sealing cracks, improving ventilation, and installing a radon mitigation system. Regular radon testing is the only way to know if your home’s levels are safe, and taking action promptly can protect your family from long-term health risks.
