January is National Radon Action Month. The goal of National Radon Action month is to:
- Raise awareness about the dangers of radon
- Promote radon testing and mitigation
- And, encourage the use of radon-resistant construction practices
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), has chosen the last week of January to observe Radon Awareness Week. More information on this can be found on their webpage.
What Is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can be present in both indoor and outdoor air. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, primarily released from the decay of uranium found in rocks and soil.
Radon can enter homes or buildings through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, and may be present in well water.
There is no known safe levels of exposure, breathing in high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels in homes and buildings if they are:
- 4 pCi/L or higher (EPA’s action level for radon)
- 2-4 pCi/L (EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels)
Note: pCi/L stands for picoCuries per liter of air.
How To Detect Radon
Radon can be detected by using radon test kits or hiring certified testers.
Test kits are available for purchase at hardware stores or online. These kits use activated charcoal to absorb radon gas from the air. Once the test is complete, the charcoal absorber is returned to the vendor for analysis and processing.
There are 2 types of test kits: short-term and long-term kits. Short-term kits measure radon for 2-90 days. Long-term kits measure radon for over 90 days and provide your home/business year-round average level.
A certified tester can measure radon concentrations in home or buildings.
Tips for testing include:
- Test in basements first, this is where radon can be the highest
- Place the kit on a level surface, 3-4 feet above the ground and away from drafts
- Leave the kit in place for the recommended amount of time on the directions
- And, retrieve the test, place the lid on it, and mail it in
Test results should be received within 2-3 weeks.
Health Effects
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Prolonged exposure to high levels can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
The risk of developing radon-related health problems increases with:
- Higher radon levels
- Longer duration of exposure
- And, smoking status; smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer from radon exposure
Preventing Radon
There are a few ways to prevent radon from entering homes or buildings, including:
- Seal cracks: Use calk, plaster, or other materials to seal all cracks in walls and floors
- Increase ventilation: Circulate airflow by opening windows, using fans, and opening vents
- Install radon mitigation systems: This system draws radon from below the building and vents it outside
- Ask about radon-resistant features: When buying a building or home, ask about radon-resistant construction techniques
- And, retest buildings: Retest homes/buildings every 2 years
Conclusion
National Radon Action Month serves as an important reminder of the health risks posed by radon and the simple steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families. Testing your home/business for radon is a crucial first step in identifying potential dangers, and mitigating radon exposure can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer. By raising awareness and taking action this month, we can help ensure safer environments for everyone.