Symptoms of Radon in the Home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed during the disintegration of radium. Radon is the heaviest of inert gases and is frequently found in areas with granite. Radon is considered a health hazard by the Environmental Protection Agency and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in many countries, behind smoking. Radon in the home can be very dangerous, especially since there are no early signs for detecting it. Over time, health symptoms can start to form that indicate radon exposure.

Repeated Respiratory Infections

• If you start suffering from unexplained respiratory infections that either don't go away or continually reoccur, radon may be present in your home. Pneumonia and bronchitis are common symptoms if you are suffering from long-term radon exposure, and indicate that your home should be tested for radon levels. This is especially true if more than one person in the home is suffering from similar respiratory problems.

Chest Pain/Shortness of Breath

• Other common problems associated with radon poisoning are severe shortness of breath and chest pain. Chest pain is a symptom in about 25 percent of cases of developing lung cancer. Shortness of breath is also frequent as the lungs start to malfunction. You should go to the doctor immediately if these symptoms start to manifest.

Severe Cough

• Another symptom of prolonged radon exposure is a severe cough that will not go away and gets more persistent over time. While the cough initially may produce phlegm, it can frequently give way to coughing up blood as the lungs begin to bleed. This is another common symptom of lung cancer as well, so a doctor's visit is necessary to rule that out and your home should be tested for radon levels, especially in the basement or lower floors.