|
Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs
naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth's suface.
Though you cannot see,smell, or taste radon, it is there and may
be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the
soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the
foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all
over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United
States has high levels of radon gas.
What can Radon do to you?
Radon gas contains radioactive particles which get trapped in your
lungs every time you take a breath. As these particles break down,
they release bursts of radiation that damage or destroy lung
tissue and cause lung cancer, and long-term exposure may even
cause death.
Do you have any of the following in your home?
- Cinder-block, brick or rock wall
- Exposed soil in the basement or
foundation
- Cracks in the basement wall or
foundation
- An open sump pump hole or floor
drain
- Spaces between walls and floors
- Exposed pipes or loose pipe
fittings
If you answered YES to any of the
above questions, then you could be breathing in this deadly
radioactive gas.
Am I At Risk?
It is estimated that radon kills between 5,000 and 30,000 people
each year. Nearly 1 in 15 homes are estimated to have elevated
levels of radon. Radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer in
non-smokers. Radon can show up in any home or office. You may have
radon in your home or office even if your neighbor does not. The
risk of developing lung cancer from Radon exposure can increase
depending on:
- the level of radon in your home
or office;
- the amount of time you have
spent exposed to radon;
- whether you are a smoker or have
ever been exposed to tobacco smoke.
Smokers Beware!
Cigarette smokers who have radon concentrations of 10pCi/L or
higher increase their chance of developing lung cancer by as much
as 18 times or 1800%.
How Does Radon Get Into My Home Or Office?
The greatest concentration of radon is usually found in the lowest
level of homes or offices. This is because radon is found in the
soil and rocks beneath the foundation. If you have dirt floors in
the basement, cracks in the foundation, or openings from a sump
pump hole or drain, radon is likely to build up quicker and in
higher concentrations. Radon can also enter your home or office
through your water supply (i.e. shower, dishwasher, washing
machine, etc.). |
