Comment by chneu
If it's underground at all, check for radon.
If it's underground at all, check for radon.
Radon is radioactive. The alpha particles it emits can break down polymers and degrade plastics.
If it were radioactive enough to do that, you'd have a much bigger problem than some networking flakiness.
I don’t disagree but your comment made it sound impossible which it isn’t.
It absolutely is, for all practical purposes. Alpha radiation won't go more than 100 um or so into plastic.
Radon is a noble gas. It's not going to affect fiber or wiring... but yes, if you're going to spend much time down there, definitely a good idea to check for it.