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Risks of Radon Exposure in Wyoming

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that does not cause immediate health problems, but can increase an individual's risk of developing lung cancer, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Radon is a result of the natural decay underground of uranium that rises into the atmosphere.

  1. Ground Water

    • The U.S. Geological Survey tested 59 water samples from counties around Wyoming to detect traces of radon in ground water. Tests occurred in 1996 and 1997. The USGS sampled ground water from 59 domestic wells, all from three types of earth composition: unconsolidated deposits, non-granitic bedrock and granitic bedrock. These wells ranged from 20 to 510 feet deep. The lowest radon concentration was 150 picocuries, or pCi, per Liter, while the highest concentration was 8,200 pCi per Liter.

    Counties

    • The seven counties in Wyoming tested for radon in the 1990s were Albany, Carbon, Converse, Goshen, Lincoln, Platte and Sublette. The lowest concentration was in Lincoln, and the highest was from ground water in granitic bedrock in Albany. However, these counties are unable to accurately address the problem of radon in ground water, because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "has not established a Maximum Contaminant Level for radon in drinking water," according to the USGS. Counties are advised to help reduce residents' exposure to radon, but do not have a specific goal to aim for.

    Radon in Buildings

    • Improper ventilation increases the risk of radon's effects. Radon usually escapes houses and buildings through cracks in walls or the ceiling, or open windows, and such a brief encounter with the gas does not prove terribly harmful to humans. In older Wyoming buildings, however, radon may not be able to escape, and builds up in the interior of the buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency advises people to take steps toward reducing radon levels in a building once it reaches the Elevated Level of Radon at or above 4 pCi per Liter, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Counties in Wyoming that exceeded the maximum recommended level of radon in 1992 included Natrona and Lincoln.

    Prevention Organizations

    • Organizations in Wyoming can help control radon build-up and provide residents with the information they need to stay safe. One is the Wyoming Radon Project in Cheyenne. The Wyoming Radon Project provides basic information on radon and its origins, as well as links to other radon programs and hot lines that residents can call for assistance. The Wyoming Department of Health, also in Cheyenne, provides radon information and easy steps to reducing radon levels in the home.

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