Radon Fact List
from the American Lung Association
is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas that is a decay
product of uranium and occurs naturally in soil and rock.
Radon gas has been identified as the second leading cause
of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking, and it is
estimated to be responsible for 15,000 to 21,000 deaths annually.
Radon breaks down into components called radon progeny, sometimes
called "radon daughters," which emit high-energy
alpha particles. These emissions raise the risk of lung cancer.
main source of high-level radon pollution in buildings is
surrounding uranium-containing soil such as granite, shale,
phosphate and pitchblende.
enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations
and other openings. It may also contaminate the water supply,
especially in private wells.
Over a person's lifetime, particulate radon progeny can enter
the lungs, attach themselves, and may eventually lead to lung
cancer. Radon is believed to cause between 15,000 and 21,000
U.S. deaths from lung cancer annually.
A level of four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air has been
identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as
the level at which remedial action should be taken.
Radon has been identified in every state. An estimated 6%
(one in 15) of homes in the United States are estimated to
have elevated levels of radon.
Smokers exposed to radon substantially increase their risk
of lung cancer in comparison to exposed non-smokers.
It is possible for one home to have elevated levels of radon
while a neighboring home does not. Testing is the only way
to determine levels of radon in a structure. Testing can be
done through do-it-yourself home test kits or through a professional
Home test kits labeled "meets EPA requirements"
should be used. Both long-term and short-term tests can be
Short-term tests remain in the home for two to 90 days, depending
on the device. "Charcoal canisters," "alpha
track," "electretion chamber," "continuous
monitors," and "charcoal liquid scintillation"
detectors are the most common short-term testing devices.
Long-term tests remain in the home for more than 90 days.
"Alpha track" and "electret" detectors
are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test
gives a more accurate annual average radon level than a short-term
test, because radon levels vary day to day and season to season.
Radon levels can be lowered through a variety of repairs,
from sealing cracks in floors and walls to changing the flow
of air into the building.
Sub-slab depressurization uses pipes and fans to remove radon
gas from beneath the concrete floor and foundation before
it can enter the building. Radon is vented above the roof,
where it safely disperses.
Soil depressurization is used to ventilate the soil surrounding
the home so that radon is drawn away before it can enter the
Repairs to decrease radon levels should be made by an EPA
or state-certified contractor.
For more information call the American Lung Association at
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), or visit our web site at http://www.lungusa.org.