RE/MAX HOME EXPERTS

       ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: RADON (Rn) GAS
 

Indoor Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. Smoking, radon, and second hand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer.

Radon is generated during radioactive decay of Radium (Ra) which in terms, originates during radioactive decay of Uranium (U) and Thorium (Th). These radioactive elements are usually present scattered in the Earth's crust. The Radon gas escapes through cracks in rocks to the atmosphere. Elevated concentrations of Radon are therefore highly localized and if one zone is affected this does not necessarily mean that neighbors would have the same problem.

The following facts about Radon can be pointed out: 
   -Radon is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas.
   -It is a proven carcinogen and ranks second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
   -Smoking increases the risks caused by Radon gas. 
   -There is a number of radon sampling devices that you can buy, or you can have a professional company conduct tests. The instructions of the manufactures of the testing device must be followed closely. 
   -Radon is measured in pico Curies per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that remedial action be taken when a residence exceeds a radon level of 4 pCi/L. Normal outside air has a content of 0.1-0.2 pCi/L. Note that the EPA tolerance for remedial action is not a limit for safe level. The health hazards and risks increase as concentration and time of exposure increase

If you have a Radon problem, it is usually easy and inexpensive to abate. In this case it is recommended to consult an expert. The ways Radon can enter into a house are shown below.                           

There are three main ways of reducing Radon concentrations in a building: a) Sealing the cracks and holes in foundations where gas can ingress; b) Ventilating (without creating vacuum) the lower level of the building in contact with the soil with fresh outside air in order to remove it; c) Pressurization of the building in order to avoid entrance of Radon gas into it.

EPA recommends the Standard Practice for Installing Radon Mitigation Systems in Existing Low-Rise Residential Buildings* for residential radon mitigation. This voluntary, consensus-based standard was developed and issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials International, and is identified as ASTM E-2121. 

For more information consult http:/www.epa.gov/radon/ or call  the Agency’s IAQ-Info hotline: 1-800-438-4318.