Why Is Radon Considered Dangerous?

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas. It occurs naturally in soil as a by-product of the radioactive decay of radium, and may enter homes through cracks in walls and floors, spaces around pipes and conduits, and even through the water supply. Radon has a relatively short half-life (approximately 3.8 days), but poses a health risk when it becomes concentrated in living spaces due to poor ventilation.

Occurance

• Radon occurs naturally in all areas of the world. Some areas at an increased risk of radon contamination due to high concentrations of precursor elements in the soil.

  All homes pose a risk of radon exposure. In older homes, cracks in the walls or foundation, crawl spaces, and groundwater entering the basement may allow radon gas into the building, but even new homes may be at risk. The tight construction of new buildings may hinder proper ventilation, allowing radon to accumulate in the air.

Radioactivity

• Radon is not a health concern when naturally dispersed in the environment, but becomes dangerous when inhaled or ingested.

  As a radon atom decays, it emits radiation, including alpha particles, a high-energy form of radiation with a short range of absorption. Outside the body, alpha radiation is relatively harmless. When inside the body, however, these short-ranged radioactive particles can damage tissue cells, raising the risk of cancer.

Cancer Risk

• According to the U.S. Surgeon General, long-term exposure to radon poses a risk of lung cancer second only to cigarette smoking. This risk is further increased in children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

  The EPA has determined that radon exposure is particularly dangerous for smokers. Smoking and radon exposure are shown to have a synergistic effect, increasing the risk of developing cancer more than smoking or radon exposure separately.

Testing

• Radon tests are inexpensive ($10 to $20 as of 2010) and widely available. Most hardware stores carry test kits, which are easy to use. Generally, the test consists of a detector that is exposed to the air in your home for several days, after which you mail the test to a lab for analysis.

  The local health department can assist homeowners with testing details, or refer them to a professional testing service.

Mitigation

• If a test determines that your home has elevated levels of radon, reducing the radon concentration (mitigation) is the proper course of action to assure a safe living environment. In all cases, a professional contractor is required to perform the work properly.

  Contractors seal cracks in walls and foundations and cap sump pumps and drain pipes to hinder radon from entering the home. They may also install a system, commonly known as a "radon pump," to ventilate radon gas from basements, dispersing it into the outside, at roof level, where it poses no health risks. Additionally, an influx of fresh air will be provided to the affected rooms.