What is radon?
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn with the atomic number 86.
It is an extremely toxic colorless gas and is derived from the natural decay of radium
and uranium which occurs naturally in soil and rock.
How does radon get into homes?
Radon typically moves up through the ground and into homes through cracks and other
holes in the foundation. The home then traps the radon gas inside, where it can build up and cause a radon problem.
What are the health risks of radon?
Because exposure to radon has no immediate symptoms, it is extremely important to test for its
presence before your health is seriously affected.
There is no debate about radon being a lung carcinogen in humans. All major national and
international organizations that have examined the health risks of radon agree that it is a lung carcinogen.
The National Academy of Sciences BEIR VI Report has estimated that radon causes about 15,000 to 22,000 lung
cancer deaths in the United States annually.
The World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences, the US Department of Health and Human Services,
as well as the EPA have classified radon as a known human carcinogen because of the wealth of biological and
epidemiological evidence and data showing the connection between exposure to radon and lung cancer in humans.
All of these organizations believe that approximately 12% of lung cancers annually in the United States are
attributable to radon.
Is radon a problem in all types of homes?
Yes radon can be a problem in all types of homes, including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, and homes with basements and without basements.
The only way to know whether radon exists in elevated levels in your home is to TEST.
The same factors that create a radon problem in your home can also affect the air quality in your office or workplace.
It is recommended that you test your workplace to determine radon levels and take action as required.
There are several methods that can be used to lower radon levels in your home or office. Some techniques prevent
radon from entering your home while others reduce radon levels after if has entered. The EPA generally recommends
methods which prevent the entry of radon. Your state Radon Agency can provide you with a number of references,
resources and licensed/certified contractors to evaluate your problem and recommend a reduction method.
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