The
most common source of indoor radon is uranium in the soil or
rock on which homes are built. As uranium naturally breaks down,
it releases radon gas which is a colorless, odorless,
radioactive gas. Radon gas enters homes through dirt floors,
cracks in concrete walls and floors, floor drains, and sumps.
When radon becomes trapped in buildings and concentrations build
up indoors, exposure to radon becomes a concern.
Any
home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes,
well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without
basements.
Sometimes
radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of
homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However,
building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
Health
Effects of Radon
The
predominant health effect associated with exposure to elevated
levels of radon is lung cancer. Research suggests that
swallowing water with high radon levels may pose risks, too,
although these are believed to be much lower than those from
breathing air containing radon. Major health organizations (like
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American
Lung Association (ALA), and the American Medical Association)
agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable
lung cancer deaths each year. EPA estimates that radon causes
about 14,000 deaths per year in the United States -- however,
this number could range from 7,000 to 30,000 deaths per year. If
you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung
cancer is especially high
Measure levels of radon in your home.
You
can't see radon, but it's not hard to find out if you have a
radon problem in your home. Testing is easy and should only
take a little of your time.
There
are many kinds of inexpensive, do-it-yourself radon test kits
you can get through the mail and in hardware stores and other
retail outlets. Make sure you buy a test kit that has passed
EPA's testing program or is state-certified. These kits will
usually display the phrase "Meets EPA Requirements."
If you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can
hire a trained contractor to do the testing for you. EPA's
voluntary National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP)
evaluates testing (measurement) contractors. A contractor
who has met EPA's requirements will carry a special RPP
identification card. EPA provides a list of companies and
individual contractors to state radon offices. You can call
your state radon office to obtain a list of qualified
contractors in your area.
