Radon
Some Things You Should Know About Radon
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock, and water. Radon can not be detected by any of our 5 senses.
Why Is Radon A Health Concern?
Exposure to Radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer; the greater the Radon level, the greater the risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Radon causes 21000 deaths from lung cancer per year in the United States. Only tobacco smoke is responsible for more lung cancer deaths.
The EPA recommends that action be taken to reduce the level of Radon when indoor air levels reach 4 pCi/L (pico-curies per liter). The average outdoor Radon level is 0.4 pCi/L
A smokers risk for developing Radon-induced lung cancer is 17 times greater than for non-smokers.
Why Is Radon A Common Problem I Minnesota Homes?
Much of the soil in the Upper Midwest contains widespread uranium and radium. These materials continuously break down to release Radon gas. Therefore Minnesota’s geology provides an ongoing supply of Radon.
In addition, a large percentage of Minnesota homes have elevated levels of Radon in the indoor air because of how they are built and how they operate in our climate. One important factor is that many Minnesota homes have basements that are used as living spaces.
Does My Home Have High Radon Levels?
The ONLY way to find out if your home has high Radon levels is to have your home tested.
50-60% of all homes tested in Olmsted and the surrounding counties exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.
Nation wide, 7% of homes are estimated to have high Radon levels.
Levels can vary widely even from home to home in the same neighborhood
Why Does Radon Enter My Home?
The air pressure inside the home is lower that the air pressure in the surrounding soil. This allows Radon to be pulled or sucked into the home, much like a vacuum cleaner. Some of the causes of suction inside the home include:
Heated air rising inside the home
Wind blowing past the home
Air used for combustion by fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces and water heaters.
Air being vented to the outdoors by clothes dryers, exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and attics.
Cracks in concrete slabs.
How Does Radon Enter My Home?
Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-block foundations.
Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.
Floor-wall joints.
Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.
Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open sump.
Mortar joints.
Loose fitting pipe penetrations.
Open tops of block walls.
Building materials, such as brick, concrete, rock.
Well water (not commonly a major source in Minnesota homes).
How Are Radon Levels Reduced In Existing Homes?
A number of steps can be taken to lower the amount of radon in a home. A quality radon reduction (mitigation) system is often able to reduce the annual average radon level to below 2 pCi/L. Experienced radon mitigation professionals are available and can install appropriate control systems throughout Southeastern Minnesota. Radon Mitigation systems installed in existing homes range in cost from $900 – $2500 depending on the several factors. A professional Radon Mitigation contractor can design and install a system that will bring your homes Radon levels below 4pCi/L. Consult the Minnesota Department of Health Website for a listing of certified Radon Mitigation providers.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/mitigation.html