Radon

Radon (Rn-222) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that is generated naturally in the environment as a breakdown product of radium and other radioactive elements. Radium is found in soil, rocks, and certain building materials. Its spontaneous decay immediately under or around buildings can result in the accumulation of indoor radon. Drinking water wells can also become contaminated if they come into contact with radon. The highest levels are found in basements and crawl spaces where ventilation is usually poor. Although certain geographic areas are recognized as being at higher risk for radon, considerable differences were found among individual homes in a neighborhood, sometimes as close as the house next door. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publishes radon zone maps for the United States. Radon maps can also be acquired from state departments of environmental protection.

Elevated concentrations of radon can be a significant source of radiation exposure in the home. The radioactive decay products of radon, not the gas itself, may be retained in the lungs and cause lung cancer. Smokers are at an even higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. Your home can be easily tested for the occurrence of radon. If the radon levels in your home are at or above 4 pC/L, control measures should be implemented. Control measures generally include a combination of ventilation, source removal or modification, and air purification.

More information on Radon can be accessed at the U.S. EPA website or by calling the following hotlines:

The National Radon Information Line: 1-800-767-7236

The Radon Fix-It Program: 1-800-644-6999

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse: 1-800-438-4318