| Radon Information |
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| What is radon? |
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Radon is a radioactive gas. It is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It is a Noble gas that is inert (non-reactive) and is found throughout the world in varying concentrations. Radon forms naturally from the radioactive decay of Uranium in rock, soil, and water. When radon gas is formed, it migrates through the soil to the air above.
Radon enters buildings through existing cracks in concrete floors or walls, open soil in crawl spaces, improperly or poorly sealed floor drains, or pipe entry points in floor slabs. Without significant ventilation and air exchange in crawl spaces and under the floor slab (sub slab ventilation), Radon builds up and enters the living spaces of homes and other structures. Radon is found in varying concentrations throughout the United States with moderate levels found in Oregon.
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| Why is radon harmful? |
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Radon decays and produces radioactive particles that become trapped in the lungs and may damage tissue. Over time, exposure to high levels of radon increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer. This is the only known health effect. For smokers, this lung cancer risk is even higher. It takes many years of exposure to radon before the onset of lung cancer. The higher the exposure, the greater the risk of induced lung cancer and the sooner it may occur.
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| How does radon compare with other radiation exposure? |
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Each of us is exposed to a certain amount of radiation each day, most of which comes from natural sources such as radon. Radon accounts for the largest percentage -- more than half -- of radiation exposure that the average person in the United States receives.
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| How can I find out how much radon is in my home? |
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Because radon levels vary widely throughout the year, the only accurate test is a long-term one. Long-term tests can be as short as three months, by we highly recommend you collect data in living areas for a full year before you determine whether your home has unacceptable radon levels.
Short-term tests are available for radon, but they should only be used for an initial screening. You should not take permanent steps to reduce radon levels on the basis of a short-term test, because actual levels could be higher or lower.
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| Can I test for radon myself? |
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Yes, you can. Radon detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They are generally available in two types: alpha track detectors, which are used for long-term measurements, and charcoal canisters, which are used for short-term measurements. These devices are placed in living areas for a specific time period and then are sent to a laboratory for analysis. All radon detectors should be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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| What if my test reveals high radon levels? |
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The important thing is not to panic. Radon levels can fluctuate widely over time. Only a long-term test that shows yearly average concentrations can accurately measure your exposure.
If your short-term screening test shows high radon levels, you should immediately begin a long-term measurement test with alpha track detectors. If the long-term test also is high, you might want to consider taking steps to reduce the radon level.
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| How much radon is too much? |
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Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/liter). According to the EPA, an annual average below 4 pCi/liter in a living area is an acceptable level and does not present a significant health hazard. (Remember, we all are exposed to a certain amount of naturally occurring radon and other radiation every day.)
If your long-term test reveals a significant level of radon above 4 pCi/liter, you should consult an EPA-certified radon mitigator (a specialist in reducing radon). Radon mitigation is affordable and effective in bringing levels in a home down to less than 4 pCi/liter. Radon levels usually can be reduced by increasing ventilation.
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