What is Radon? Is it bad for my health and home?

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas released from the normal decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air.

Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collect indoors. It can also be released from building materials, or from water obtained from wells that contain radon.

Radon levels can be higher in homes that are well insulated, tightly sealed, and/or built on uranium-rich soil. Because of their closeness to the ground, basement and first floors typically have the highest radon levels.

Can Radon Damage My Health?

Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, the only cancer proven to be associated with inhaling radon.

Scientists estimate that approximately 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.

How do I know If I Have Radon In My Home?

Testing is the only way to know if a person’s home has elevated radon levels. Indoor radon levels are affected by the soil composition under and around the house, and the ease with which radon enters the house. Homes that are next door to each other can have different indoor radon levels, making a neighbor’s test result a poor predictor of radon risk. Radon levels can vary month to month and day to day, therefore, long-term and short-term radon tests are recommended.

A state or local radon official can explain the differences between testing devices and recommend the most appropriate test for a person’s needs and conditions.

The cost of a radon reduction depends on the size and design of a home and the radon reduction methods that are needed. These costs typically range from $800 to $2,500, with an average cost of $1,200.

The following organizations can provide additional resources that readers may find helpful:

• The EPA Web site contains news, information, and publications on radon. It is located at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon on the Internet.
• The National Safety Council (NSC), in partnership with the EPA, operates a Radon Hotline.
• To reach an automated system for ordering materials and listen to informational recordings, call 1–800–SOS–RADON (1–800–767–7236).
• To contact an information specialist, dial 1–800–55–RADON (1–800–557–2366) or send an e-mail to airqual@nsc.org.
• More information about radon and its testing can be found on the NSC’s Web site at http://www.nsc.org/issues/radon/ on the Internet.
• The Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO) is operated by the EPA. To order publications or contact an information specialist, dial 1–800–438–4318. Alternatively, IAQ INFO can be reached by e-mail at iaqinfo@aol.com, by fax at 703–356–5386, or by mail at Post Office Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013–7133.
• The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Helpline is a service of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, in partnership with the EPA. The Helpline provides bilingual (Spanish/English) information about indoor air pollutants. To speak with an information specialist, call 1–800–SALUD–12 (1–800–725–8312).

Sources: National Cancer Institute, Radon.com