More Radon Information . .
The Ohio Dept. of Health (ODH) estimates that about one in
two Ohio homes have enough radon to pose a large risk to the occupants’ health over many years of exposure. In
some areas of the state, the percentage of homes that have high levels of radon is even larger. *This
Information is from: The Ohio Dept. of Health publication “Radon in Ohio Homes”. Click Here to View
The U.S. Surgeon General, the U.S. EPA, and the ODH recommend that
every Ohio home be tested for radon. "Indoor Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States
and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the county.
What is Radon? Radon is a gaseous radioactive element - which means it continuously decays and releases radiation.
It is measured in pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter). Its atomic symbol is Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222. It
is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas, with no immediate health symptoms. It is derived from the radioactive decay of
uranium. Although radon is present throughout the environment at very low levels, when high levels are present,
people are exposed to more of its radiation and their risk of cancer increases. Such a situation can be discovered easily
and corrected.
The Risk of
Living With Radon Radon is the second-leading cause
of lung cancer in the United States – second only to smoking. For nonsmokers in this country, Radon is the No. 1 cause
of lung cancer. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get
trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release
small bursts of energy. (Radioactive Alpha particles) This damages lung tissue and leads to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on;
1. How much radon is in your home, 2. The amount of time you spend in your home, 3. Whether you are a smoker
or have ever smoked. Not everyone exposed to elevated
levels of radon will develop lung cancer. And the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many
years but more is known about Radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates
of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners). View Radon Health Risks Chart
Here
Why is Radon a common problem in Ohio homes?
Much of the soil in Ohio contains quantities of
uranium and radium. These minerals continuously break down and release radon gas. Therefore, Ohio’s
geology provides an ongoing supply of Radon. In addition, a large percentage of Ohio homes have high levels of radon
in the indoor air because of how they are built and how they are operated in our climate. One important factor is that many
Ohio homes have basements that are used as living spaces.
The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have created a map * of all
3,141 counties of the united states. All counties of the US have been assigned a zone of 1 to 3 based on radon potential.
Zone 1 Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L), Zone 2 Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L), and Zone 3 Low Potential (less
than 2 pCi/L). Note: All of Ohio’s counties all are listed
as either Zones 1 or 2. (Highest & Moderate potential) Radon,
because it is a gas, is able to move through spaces in the soil or fill material around a home’s foundation. Ohio homes
tend to operate under a negative pressure; this is especially true in the lowest portions of the home and during the heating
season. This negative pressure acts as a vacuum (suction) that pulls soil gases, including radon, into the lower level of
the structure. Some causes of home vacuum are: • Heated air rising inside the home (stack effect). • Wind blowing
past a home (downwind draft effect). • Air used by fireplaces, wood stoves and furnaces (vacuum effect). • Air
vented to the outside by clothes dryers and exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, or attics. (suction) Radon can enter a home through the floor and walls – anywhere there is an opening
between the home and the soil. Well water can also be a source of Radon in air. Once water enters the home, Radon gas
can be dissipated into the air, raising the Radon level. The EPA suggests testing the air in your home first as this is the
main source of elevated Radon levels.
How can I find out if my home has a Radon problem?
Because Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, a
Radon test is the only way to tell what levels you have in your home. Every home is unique due to its local soil, construction
details, maintenance and degree of depressurization. Therefore, test results from nearby homes cannot be relied upon to predict
the radon level in another home. Likewise, previous test results may not reflect current and future radon levels for a home
that has been remodeled, weatherized or had changes made to its heating, air conditioning or other ventilation systems such
as exhaust fans. The results of a properly performed radon test will help homeowners determine for themselves if they
need to take further action to protect their family from the health risks of radon in the home.
How can I protect my family from radon?
#1 Have your home tested. InspecTec
can set up a Continuous Radon Monitor Device that will give immediate results at the end of the test. This test will
give you hour by hour radon level readings and the overall average Radon level in your home. Remember, there
is no safe level of Radon however, if your home tests at elevated levels, a number of steps can be taken to lower the amount
of radon in your home, including a radon reduction (mitigation) system that can reduce the annual average radon level
to below 4 picocuries per liter. Licensed radon mitigation contractors can install appropriate control systems.
Where can I get more information on radon?
US EPA at: www.epa.gov/radon/
Ohio Dept. of Health at: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/rp/envrad/indrad.aspx
Ohio Radon Information System Web site at: http://radon.utoledo.edu
