Date Published: 04/14/2020 [Source]
With quarantine procedures in place throughout the country, many people have been forced to rethink how they'll continue to stay in shape. I've vouched for home gyms as the ideal solution.
However, as I pumped iron in my garage, a startling thought forced me to reconsider my plans for exercising at home. Not because I don't have the necessary equipment or motivation, but because I noticed a hidden danger that could invisibly harm my health.
Just one of the unseen dangers is radon which at prolonged high exposure can result in cancer. Similar to carbon monoxide, radon is colorless and odorless, making it a silent killer if it's not properly detected. Typically, radon gas is expelled from the breakdown of uranium in soil, water, and rock, which then enters homes through exposed cracks in the foundation — so basements are prime suspects by default for high levels of radon.
Surprisingly, radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. That makes it the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It's a serious problem, though its effects can take a very long time to manifest.
Radon risk is regional. In some areas, it's so common that radon testing is usually folded into a home inspection if you purchase a property. In other areas, the risk is slim to none. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a map of regional data to help you determine your risk.