The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and radioactive noble gas; it’s also everywhere around us. Although radon is emitted harmlessly in small concentrations from the natural environment, did you know that, according to the EPA, long-term exposure to concentrations of radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? Homeowners throughout the United States may be living in buildings that have high levels of radon and may not know about the problem or how to remedy it.
Questions such as, “How can you protect your loved ones and family from the dangers of radon exposure?”, “When do you test for radon in your home or building?”, and “Does radon cause cancer?” are quite common. The EPA’s designation of January as National Radon Action Month aims to inform the general public of the facts regarding exposure to radon gas. Following the EPA’s four recommendations below will significantly lower your risk of exposure to radioactive radon gas.
- Test Your Home – Although not required by the State of New Hampshire, you can hire a professional radon testing service to test your home. The National Radon Safety Board and the National Environmental Health Association certify these radon testing service providers. However, do-it-yourself radon testing kits are inexpensive, easy to find, and simple to administer.
- Attend a Radon Action Month Event – While New Hampshire no longer offers a radon awareness program, each of the other five New England states continue to provide this informative service.
- Spread the Word – Talking to your family, friends, and loved ones about radon and the dangers of radon exposure is a good start. However, if you wish to go further, you could write an op-ed letter to your local newspaper’s editor or prepare and present a Radon Awareness event in your area.
- Buy a Radon-Resistant House – Many new homes around the nation are now being built using radon-resistant materials. Click here to learn more about radon-resistant home construction materials and practices.
Safe Levels of Radon?
Radon enters your home primarily through the soil surrounding your foundation, but can also be found to a lesser extent in drinking water. Because radon has been proven to cause lung cancer, the only safe measure of radon gas is zero. However, regular testing for radon and engaging in radon-mitigation practices lowers the health risks associated with radon exposure. When your home or other type of building is tested for radon, the results will show a radon concentration measured in pCi/L; pCi/L indicates “Picocuries per liter” and is a unit for measuring radioactive concentrations. Radon concentrations below 4 pCi/L are generally considered to be safer and do not require immediate action, while concentrations at or above 4 pCi/L require radon mitigation.
There is no need to panic if your home tests between 4 pCi/L and 8 pCi/L or higher; homes with problematic levels of radon concentrations can be made safe using common radon mitigation practices, according to the EPA.
Retesting for Radon
Perhaps your home was previously tested for radon as part of the pre-sale inspection process and you are wondering if you should have it tested again. Whether another test is necessary depends on a few circumstantial factors, but in many cases, the answer is “yes.” The EPA suggests that you retest a building if a previous radon test showed elevated radon-emission levels at or above 4 pCi/L and you have undergone radon-mitigation actions. In addition, the EPA recommends a retest if your living arrangements have changed below the third floor, whether you finished your basement, added a room, or made any other type of renovation to the floor plan. If you are ready to buy or sell a home, office, or other type of building, it’s always best to test for radon.
If you have any questions regarding radon, the EPA and Kansas State University operate the National Radon Hotline, 1-800-55RADON (1-800-557-2366), as well as three other hotlines that deal with general questions, radon testing, radon mitigation, and safe drinking water.
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