Surprising Sources Of Radiation In Your Home

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You may be surprised at some of these places in your home that are exposed to radiation. Take a look at this useful guide, courtesy of This Old House:

It Came From Beneath

Your basement isn't just an entry point for water leaks and marauding mice. It can also be contaminated with an oft-overlooked radioactive gas known as radon. Found in houses both new and old, the colorless, odorless gas is formed by the decay of uranium, an element found in rock within the earth. If present in the soil surrounding your house, it can seep in through porous building materials and cracks in the foundation. According to experts, nearly one out of every 15 houses in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated levels of radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Learn about testing your home at www.epa.gov.

The Curious Case of the Geiger Countertop

Mining stone for countertops may unearth some potentially scary radioactivity as well. Granite countertops are known to emit radiation and radon, albeit at very low levels, as they can contain naturally occurring uranium and other radioactive elements, such as thorium. To see if granite countertops are affecting your home's radon levels, contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org) or visit the Marble Institute of America's website.

Read more at This Old House