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Radon
Information
What
is radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from
the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of radium, which is
itself a decay product of uranium. Uranium and radium are both
common elements in the soil.
Where
is radon found?
The major source of high levels of radon in homes is soil surrounding
the house that may contain uranium, granite, shale, phosphate
and pitchblende. The radon gas from the soil can enter a home
or building through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in
the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains,
pipes and sump pumps.
- Radon
is often more highly concentrated in basements, ground floors
and the first floor of homes.
- Radon
problems have been identified in every state, and nationwide
tests are being conducted to identify the extent and magnitude
of the problem. EPA estimates that as many as one in 15 homes
in the U.S. have elevated radon levels.
- Any home
may have a radon problem.
- Homes
without basements can have a radon problem. ALA and EPA recommend
testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing
in schools is also recommended.
What
are the health effects of radon?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, resulting in
thousands of deaths each year in the United States. It is the
leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
As radon decays and is inhaled into the lungs, its byproducts
release energy that can damage sensitive lung tissue and lead
to lung cancer.
For non-smokers, exposure to elevated radon levels can increase
the risk of lung cancer as much as smoking can. For smokers, exposure
to radon is an especially serious health risk.
How
is radon measured?
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
No level of radon is considered absolutely safe. However, the
average indoor level is 1.3 pCi/L. The American Lung Association (ALA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that
action be taken when indoor levels are above 4 picocuries per
liter.
What
should the home owner do?
- Test
your home for radon. Do-it-yourself test kits are available
for Cerro Gordo County residents at our office (22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300, Mason City) - while supplies
last. Office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m
- Fix your
home if radon levels are over 4 pCi/L. Professional contractors
must be certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Knowledgeable home owners may take corrective action to reduce
radon levels in their own homes (EPA pamphlets are available).
Radon problems can be fixed by straight forward construction
techniques.
Learn
More About Radon:
Radon Fact Sheet
The Iowa Department of Public Health
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/radon.asp
The Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/radon
The Environmental Protection Agency's Citizen's Guide
to Radon
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html
Also from the EPA: http://www.healthyindoorair.
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