Radon

Radon causes up to about14,000 deaths per year

RADON GAS IN HOMES AND LUNG CANCER Unsuspecting homeowners may not realize the full risks associated with Radon gas in their homes. Increasing evidence suggests that Radon gas is the most underestimated cause of Lung Cancer. Radon gas can occur anywhere, however some areas of the United States are known to have abnormally high levels of this potentially deadly gas. Though Radon gas can be found in every state, the highest concentration levels are in the Northeast and the upper Midwest of the United States. If Radon gas can be dissipated from homes and into the atmosphere it is relatively harmless. However, when Radon enters homes and stays trapped, which can frequently happen with today's more tightly sealed homes; the gas can become a health problem. The Radon gas typically enters a home from a basement. If the basement is not adequately vented to the outside atmosphere the gas can build up to high levels within the home. There are differing opinions about the minimum safe levels, however the evidence continues to grow that Radon may be the most underestimated cause of lung cancer. Radon gas may be particularly more dangerous to children, smokers and those who spend much of their time indoors. When purchasing a new or existing home we suggest that a radon test should always be performed for Radon levels. The cost for a Radon test is minimal and well worth it. If high levels of Radon gas are detected proper ventilation systems should be added to the home. The costs of such ventilation systems are again quite reasonable.

What is Radon?

    Radon is a gas that is located in the Periodic Table of Elements. Radon is labeled Rn. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, but it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause up to twenty-thousand deaths per year and that's because when you breathe in air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. Radon has also been linked to bone cancer and has been able to damage the internal body structure as well. Radon was a popular additive in products like toothpaste, hair creams and even food items in the early twentieth century, due to its supposed "healing" powers. Radon was subsequently removed when its carcinogenic properties were discovered years later by scientists. The Surgeon General has even warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer today. In the early 1990's, The Environmental Protection Agency stated that Radon which can be located in the ground soil can seep into your water pipes and wells. A report to test for Radon in water was proposed and Eventually, an act was even set into an article in the Safewater Drinking Act of 1996.

Where does Radon come from?

    Radon comes from a breakdown of uranium and radium in soil, rock, and water. It can be found all over the United States and is able to get into any type of building and increase to enormous levels. Most people are likely to receive greater exposure to radon in their home. You can also note that Radon is one of the most heaviest gasses in our environment.

How does Radon get into your home?

    Radon typically moves through the ground up to the air you breathe and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it builds up in large amounts. One out of every fifteen homes in the U.S. is estimated to have high radon levels. Radon can also be a huge problem in schools and workplaces as well.

What Radon test results Mean?

    The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is found outside in the air. The United States Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor radon levels. Most homes can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or lower. Even if your test result is below 4 pCi/L, you may want to test again in the future to be assured.

Reducing Radon in your Home?

    Many methods can be used to reduce the amount of Radon that you have in your home. A method, such as sealing cracks in floors, walls, and under ceramic items may help to reduce radon. Sometimes, extra usage of piping and fans could help also. Sub-slab depressurization removes radon gas below the concrete floor and foundation before it enters your home, it can also be used in crawl spaces. The methods that are used depends on the Home Inspection company you choose.

What's the Risk?

    Radon decays into particles that get trapped inside your lungs when you breath air. They break down further and eventually release small bursts of energy. These bursts can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime, not everyone will obtain lung cancer. Smoking combined with radon is a serious health risk also, if you stop smoking and lower your radon level it can reduce your lung cancer risk greatly.

Basic Scientific Information

Name: Radon
Symbol: Rn
Atomic Number: 86
Atomic Mass: (222.0) amu
Melting Point: -71.0 °C (202.15 °K, -95.8 °F)
Boiling Point: -61.8 °C (211.35 °K, -79.24 °F)
Number of Protons/Electrons: 86
Number of Neutrons: 136
Classification: Noble Gas
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 9.73 g/cm³
Color: Colorless

Date of Discovery: 1898
Discoverer: Fredrich Ernst Dorn
Name Origin: From Radium
Uses: Cancer Treatment
Obtained From: A Decay of Radium

pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Courtesy of The Environmental Protection Agency located in our 'links' page

National Radon Hotline: 1800-SOS-RADON