Which environmental effect can lead to increased radon levels?

Higher rates of precipitation can lead to increased radon levels in a few ways. When heavy rain falls, the moisture can saturate the soil, which can, in turn, cause radon gas to be displaced from the soil and into the air and potentially into buildings. This phenomenon is particularly notable in areas with high radon concentration in the soil, as the rainwater creates changes in pressure that can drive radon gas upwards. Furthermore, saturated soils can reduce the porosity, leading to increased radon emanation into basements and residential spaces.

Understanding the dynamics of soil moisture and radon can aid mitigation specialists in assessing radon risk and implementing appropriate radon reduction strategies in homes located in regions where environmental factors fluctuate.