What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is found in the earth's rock and soil. It is formed by the natural breakdown of radium. Radon gas is invisible and odorless. It is a health hazard when it accumulates to high levels (4 pCi/l or greater) inside homes or other structures. A high level of indoor radon exposure is estimated to cause between 15,000 and 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. This accounts for 12 percent of all cancer deaths and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

How serious a problem is radon in the United States?

Elevated radon levels have been identified in every state. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly one out of 15 homes in the United States has an elevated indoor radon level (4 pCi/l) on a yearly average. The United States average radon-to-air level in a single-family home is 1.3 pCi/l. Radon can also be a problem in schools and work places.

How does radon get indoors?

Radium, which releases radon gas, is a common element within the earth's crust. Soils and rocks containing high levels of uranium, such as granite, phosphate, shale and pitchblende, are natural sources of radon.

High levels of radon gases in the soil percolate up through porous soils under the home, school or workplace and enter through gaps and cracks in the foundation or in the insulation and through pipes, sumps, drains, walls or other openings.

Groundwater is another possible pathway for bringing radon into the home. Water, when in contact with rock containing uranium, absorbs the radon gas. The radon is then carried into the home and released into the air in household dishwashers, faucets, showers or washing machines.

I How do you determine whether radon is a problem in your home or building?

While an area's geology may be an indication for the presence of a radon gas problem, remember that radon gas is odorless and colorless; therefore, it cannot be detected by the human senses.

The only way to determine if radon gas is a problem in your home or building is by measuring the level of radon gas present.

Guilford County Department of Public Health is currently participating in a study funded by the EPA. The study provides funding for the testing of indoor air for a total of 500 homes, schools and work places and 30 water samples within Guilford County. Free home test kits are available to residents. If you would like to participate in this special study on radon, Email Us or call the Environmental Health Division of the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-3771.

For more information on Radon, visit www.epa.gov/radon