Health Symptoms of Radon

Health Symptoms That May Be Caused by Radon Exposure

When Your Body Shows Warning Signs You Can’t See in Your Home

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that forms naturally in the soil. While it often enters a home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, the effects of radon exposure may not show up in the structure; they may show up in your body.

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of serious respiratory conditions. While only testing can confirm whether radon is present, there are certain symptoms that, especially when combined or unexplained, may suggest a problem. If you or your family have noticed changes in your health and your home has never been tested for radon, it may be time to take a closer look.

Persistent Cough or Wheezing

A dry, nagging cough that won’t go away, even without signs of a cold, may be an early indication of lung irritation. Radon gas damages the cells that line the lungs when inhaled over time. This irritation doesn’t always cause pain, but it can lead to coughing fits, shortness of breath, or wheezing, especially during rest or after light activity.

If more than one person in your household has developed a similar cough or breathing pattern, it could point to an environmental factor like radon.

Unusual Fatigue or Low Energy

Chronic tiredness, especially when it doesn’t improve with rest, can sometimes be linked to prolonged radon exposure. As the lungs become less efficient due to ongoing irritation or damage, the body may struggle to get enough oxygen, leading to persistent fatigue or a general lack of stamina.

While many health conditions can cause fatigue, a sudden or unexplained drop in energy levels across multiple household members should prompt a closer look at your indoor environment.

Chest Discomfort or Tightness

Some individuals exposed to high levels of radon over time report a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest. This sensation can vary in intensity and often becomes more noticeable during physical activity or deep breathing. While not always painful, it may feel like a weight or constriction that doesn’t have an obvious cause.

This kind of discomfort should always be evaluated by a medical professional, but when combined with other respiratory symptoms, it may point to an environmental issue within the home.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without changes in diet or activity level can be a sign that something deeper is affecting your health. While not as common as coughing or fatigue, unexplained weight loss has been reported in some cases of advanced radon exposure and related lung conditions.

If weight loss occurs alongside other symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath, it should be taken seriously and discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.

These Symptoms Don’t Confirm Radon, But They Shouldn’t Be Ignored

It’s important to understand that the symptoms listed above can have many possible causes. Respiratory issues, fatigue, and chest discomfort are common to a wide range of health conditions, and only a licensed medical professional can diagnose the true source.

But when multiple members of a household begin experiencing these symptoms without explanation, and the home has never been tested for radon, it may be worth considering the environment as part of the picture.

Radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate illness. It builds quietly over time, and by the time symptoms appear, levels may have been elevated for years. That’s why testing and mitigation are so important, not just for peace of mind, but for long-term health and safety.

Talk to a Radon Mitigation Contractor You Can Trust

If you’re noticing persistent symptoms and your home has never been tested for radon, Anchored Walls is here to help. As a radon mitigation company with over 40 years of experience, we work with Iowa homeowners to identify risk factors and create effective solutions.

Worried about the cost of mitigation? We offer clear, honest pricing and guidance, so you know exactly what to expect. And if you’ve been searching for a radon contractor near me, our local team is just a call away.

Schedule your radon consultation today and take the next step toward a safer, healthier home.