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Radon

Radon


Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive element that can be found in
soil, underground water, and outdoor air.   Some of the properties of this gas
include being odorless, tasteless, and colorless.   The concentrations vary
throughout the country depending on the types of rocks that are found in the
soil.   Exposure over prolonged periods of time to radon decay products has been
associated with an increased risk of   lung cancer.(3)   The EPA describes an
elevated concentration as being at or above their suggested guidelines of 4pCi/l
(pico Curies per liter, used as a radiation unit of measure for radon).
Exposures below this level may create a risk of lung cancer, farther reductions
to lower levels may be too difficult or even impossible to achieve.(4)

Radon enters buildings through: exposed soil in crawl spaces, through
cracks, openings in floors, and through below grade walls and floors.   This is
the primary source of elevated radon levels in buildings.(5)   Outdoor air
contains radon, but it is in extremely low concentrations therefore it is not a
health hazard.   Some wells contain water that has radon dissolved in it.   This
can be a hazard if the water is agitated or heated, allowing the gas to escape
and elevate the levels that are in the building.(6)

Health Risk

The Surgeon General's office reports that indoor radon gas is a national
health problem.   This gas causes thousands of deaths every year.(7)   These
deaths are a result of lung cancer, which is caused by the radioactive particles
that make up the gas.(8)   The likelihood of getting lung cancer from radon
depends on: the concentration that you are exposed to, the amount of time that
you are exposed, and whether you smoke or not.   The radioactive particles are
inhaled when we breathe, and become trapped in the lungs.   Once in the lungs
they release small amounts of energy that can damage the tissue of the lungs
which in turn can cause cancer.(9)

Radon is the second leading cause of lung...