Radon Information
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas and is the #1 source of exposure to naturally occurring radiation and the #1 cause of lung cancer in the United States for non-smokers. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally as a byproduct of the decay of uranium and thorium in the Earth's crust.
1 in 6 homes has elevated or dangerous levels of radon (the EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L for air)
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37% of all radiation exposure in the US is from radon
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21,000 people die annually from radon-induced lung cancer
Where Does Radon Come From?
Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, is a decay of product of uranium, found in soils, rock, and water.
How Does Radon Affect Your Health?
As radon decays, it emits alpha particles that can cause lung cancer. Radon sticks to dust and aerosols in the air. Particles radiate into the lungs and damage tissues. Alpha particles are 100 times more likely to cause cancer than other types of radiation.
How Does Radon Enter a Home or Building?
Radon, other soil gases, and moisture enter through small cracks and openings in a home or building's foundation. Negative pressure can causes a stacking effect. The air that is trapped inside buildings acts like a chimney, warmed by the sun/heating systems. As air rises, it pulls radon into homes and buildings.
8 Radon Myths You Need to Learn the Truth About
- Radon is only a problem in homes with basements
FALSE | Any style home (new or old) can have elevated radon levels - Only certain areas of the country have high radon levels
FALSE | Elevated radon levels have been found in all 50 US States - The house next door tested low for radon, so my house shouldn't have a problem either
FALSE | Every home or building is different because the ground condition below the structure is different - Radon levels change so much that tests don't mean anything
FALSE | Testing according to the EPA & State guidelines is 94% accurate - Opening a window will lower radon levels in your home
FALSE | Opening windows can actually raise radon levels - It's expensive to fix a radon problem
FALSE | Radon Mitigation Systems are one of the least expensive repairs to a home - Nobody really knows if radon causes lung cancer
FALSE | People around the world acknowledge radon as a dangerous carcinogen - All radon repair contractors are alike, so picking the cheapest is ok to do
FALSE | Radon Professionals must be highly trained and many states require licensure and/or certification