The simple answer is no. Devices like air purifiers, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers cannot remove radon gas from the air because radon is a gas, not a particulate.
This is because it is not possible for air purifiers to physically capture and remove radon from the atmosphere.
Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also does not recommend radon or its decay products are reduced through air purification or cleaning.
Some people may be tempted to try using an ozone generator in order to remove radon from the air.
However, this is also not an effective remedy and can actually be dangerous. Ozone generators are designed to produce ozone, which is a gas that can be harmful to human health.
The only way to effectively remove radon from indoor air is through proper ventilation and air sealing.
This can be done by installing a radon mitigation system, which will vent radon gas out of the home and prevent it from entering.
Air sealing your home will also help to reduce the amount of radon that is able to enter.
What is Radon?
It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in all 50 states.
It is formed by the breakdown of uranium in the ground and can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation.
Once inside, it can build up to dangerous levels and has been linked to lung cancer.
Why is Radon a Concern?
Radon is a health hazard because it is a radioactive gas that can damage the lungs if inhaled.
It can cause lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the United States.
How Does Radon Enter a Home – How can I Test It?
It can enter through cracks and openings in the foundation. Once inside, radon can build up to dangerous levels.
If you are concerned about radon in your home, the best way to find out is to test for it. It is simple and inexpensive texting, and it can be done by a qualified professional or with a do-it-yourself kit.
If your home has high levels of radon, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce the amount of radon present.
This can be done by installing a radon mitigation system, which will vent radon gas out of the home and prevent it from entering.
Air sealing your home will also help to reduce the amount of radon that is able to enter.
Do HEPA Filters Help with Filtering Radon Out of the Air?
No, HEPA filters cannot remove radon gas from the air. Radon is a gas, and HEPA filters can only remove particulates from the air.
While a HEPA filter can help to reduce the amount of radon progeny in the air (by removing particulates that the radon progeny are attached to), it will not affect the radon gas concentration and, therefore, radon progeny will continue to be produced in the ambient air.
This is very complicated by the fact that once radon enters a home, it can become trapped and accumulate to higher concentrations.
This is why proper ventilation and air sealing are the only effective methods for reducing radon levels in a home.
What are the effective ways to fix high radon levels in the basement?
If you have high levels of radon in your home (at or above four pCi/L of air), it is important to take action to reduce the amount of radon present.
This can be done by installing a radon mitigation system in the basement, which will vent radon gas out of the home and prevent it from entering.
It’s important that you do not try DIY remedies or repair methods to fix radon issues in your home, as these can actually make the problem worse.
The only way to effectively and safely remove radon from your home is through a professionally installed radon mitigation system.
A professional can be able to assess your home and determine the best type of system for your needs. They will also be able to guide how to maintain and operate the system properly.
Based on the conditions and radon levels, they can also help with proper sealing methods of your basement floor and foundations.
These include radon concrete sealers and paints, which will work to prevent radon gas from entering your home in the first place.
The conclusion
Radon is a health hazard because it is a radioactive gas that can damage the lungs if inhaled.
Air purifiers and HEPA filters cannot remove radon gas from the air, but they can help to reduce the amount of radon progeny in the air.
Radon levels can also be effectively managed through various means, most notably by installing a radon mitigation system and proper air sealing in the home.
So, if you are concerned about radon in your home, it is essential to get it tested and take action as needed to reduce the levels present.
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.