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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Radon |
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Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the decay of uranium and radium, is found in low amounts all over the world. Within the past few years, high levels of this gas have been found in homes around the United States. This is a serious matter because radon breaks down relatively quickly to form very small radioactive particles that can be inhaled into people's lungs. Cell damage from this radiation exposure is considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon enters a building through contact with the soil, seeping in through cracks in a foundation wall or basement floor, and by other sources of contamination such as private water supplies, natural gas, and building materials. Once radon gas gets into a building, air movement caused by heating systems, appliances, and exhaust fans can distribute the gas and its decay products throughout the living space. In many homes, radon mitigation (that is steps taken to lessen the problem) consists of simple measures, such as sealing cracks in basement floors and foundation walls. In other homes, techniques that involve special ventilation systems are used. A homeowner's decision to treat a radon problem should be based on a measurement taken in that home. Radon levels very greatly, even within neighborhoods. A high reading in one house does not necessarily indicate high levels in nearby homes. The only way to know whether an individual building is contaminated with radon gas is to test it, using tools manufactured for this purpose. The most widely used of these are activated charcoal canisters, which provide a measurement for a period of three to seven days, or alpha track detectors, which can be kept in place for up to a year. Results from such devices which measure amounts of radon gas, are reported as "picocuries per liter" of air. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that radon mitigation actions be taken when levels exceed for picocuries per liter of air. The first radon test conducted in a building is often done with an activated charcoal canister and is referred to as a screening measurement. This screening measurement is made in the area of the house closest to the soil, (usually the basement), to help decide whether more measurements should be made. Results of a screening measurement should only be used as a sign of a potential radon problem. Depending on the results of the screening measurement, follow-up tests may be needed. These follow-up tests estimate the long-term average concentrations of radon in living areas of the building. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
