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, their 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.
