January is Utah’s awareness month as well and national awareness month!
As the temperatures outside fall, the danger inside may rise
Cold Weather: Cold temperatures force a home to run the furnace. This will cause air to circulate more and causes what is called a "Stack Effect" (Warm air pushed out top of house, cold air sucked in around foundation where Radon Gas collects). The result of this is sucking more air (thus more radon gas) from small cracks and openings in the foundation into the basement and then the house.
In addition to the “Stack effect” we know the cold air is heavier and warm air actually rises. So as the temperature drops outside and cold air settles outside your home it actually increase the natural draw you home puts on the soil as the warm air is push up thus increased potential deadly radon gas.
Radon gas is present in all homes regardless of age, quality and size of dwelling. Hundreds of test have proven that radon concentrations increase in the winter month, largely due to the facts stated above.
However with the increase radon levels our families are put in additional danger due to the fact kids spend less time outdoors, windows are shut and more time is spent in the basement.
Good news is that a simple inexpensive test can help you determine whether or not you should consider a radon reduction system. If you do have a system the EPA recommends re-testing every two years and the best time to test is now when the danger and radon levels are at their highest.
