Winter is approaching, which can bring
radon gas right along with it. Homes that are located in colder climates may
experience heightened levels of radon gas, which can put residents at risk.
Here are some reasons why radon gas tends to be found in higher concentration in homes during the winter.
Stack Effect
Greater stack effect may draw higher
levels of radon gas into the home. In the winter, what’s known as the “stack
effect” may be higher as the warmer air indoors rises and escapes to the cooler
air outdoors. When this air escapes, the home must replace the air to equalize
pressure.
A lot of homes get new air through drafty
windows and doors. Homes may also get new air from the soil that they are
constructed on. Air from the soil can be drawn in through cracks in the
concrete, sump pump pits, plumbing pipe penetrations, floor drains,
crawlspaces, and other areas that are in contact with the soil. This new air
may contain radon gas.
Higher Concentrations
Higher concentrations of radon gas may
enter the house during the winter season. Even though radon enters homes from
the soil beneath, more radon gas escapes through the soil surrounding the home
and dilutes into the air outdoors.
In the winter, the ground in yards may
freeze and be covered in snow, creating a blanket effect that can trap radon
gas in the soil surrounding the structure. With less amount of radon in the
soil being able to escape normally, your home may be drawing in greater
concentrations of the gas.
