Radon
Information
What is Radon?
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock and water.
The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a
potential health risk to you and your family.
Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of
building -- homes, offices, and schools -- and build up to high levels.
What you should know about
Radon
Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas.
You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a
problem in your home. This is because when you breathe air-containing radon,
you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General
has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to find out about
your home's radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing
of all homes below the third floor for radon.
You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you have high radon
levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be
reduced to acceptable levels.
If you are buying a home. EPA recommends that you obtain the radon
level in the home you are considering buying. An EPA publication "The Home
Buyer's and Seller's Guide" is available through most State Health
Departments or Regional EPA offices listed in your local phone book. EPA
also recommends that you use a certified or state licensed radon tester to
perform the test. If elevated levels are found it is recommended that these
levels be reduced. In most cases, a professional can accomplish this at
reasonable cost or homeowner installed mitigation system that adheres to the
EPA's approved methods for reduction of radon in a residential structure.
What are the Risk Factors?
The EPA, Surgeon General and The Center for
Disease Control, have all agreed that continued exposure to Radon gas can
cause lung cancer.
In fact, there position on the matter is that all homes should be tested for
radon gas exposure, and all homes testing over 4 pCi/L should be fixed.
How Does Radon Enter the
Home?
Typically the air pressure inside your home is
lower than the pressure in the soil around your home's foundation.
Due to this difference, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon gas in
through foundation cracks and other openings of your home.
Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in
your home when water is used for showering and other household uses.
Potential Entry Points: