Levels of Radon Gas

Statistics from the U.S. Surgeon General's Office list radon gas poisoning as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is a naturally occurring form of radiation that permeates the Earth's atmosphere. Levels of this gas can vary by location, and amount. Radon gas is able to seep through soil surfaces, and structural barriers.

• A source of radon gas

Identification

• Radon is a form of alpha radiation comparable to other radioactive materials like plutonium. It's an odorless, tasteless gas that's derived from the breakdown, or radioactive decay of uranium. Igneous rocks, soil and some forms of well water can emit these gases. Radon is a cancer-causing agent that affects the respiratory system. As radioactive materials are capable of altering the DNA structure within biological organisms, cancerous formations can develop over time. In effect, any level of radon poses a potential health risk.

Radioactive Potential

• Levels of radioactivity are measured in Pico curies. Each Pico Currie equals the decay of one gram of radium. Radium is a known radioactive element. A level that reads at 0.75 pCi/L means 0.75 grams worth of radiation is present per liter of air. Radon gas is a byproduct from the radioactive decay of uranium contained in the soil. These gases can emit from the soil, as well as linger in the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a carcinogen, meaning any exposure puts people at a risk of developing cancer. The amount of risk is dependent on the amount of radon ingested on a consistent basis.

Acceptable Levels

• The U.S. Congress has established an acceptable level of radon gas within the Radon Act 51 legislation. This level is 4 pCi/L, and is based on the amount of radon present in an outdoor environment. This is considered an "action level", meaning corrective measures should be taken in areas with a reading of 4 pCi/L or more. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a reduction of levels below 2pCi/L is required to reduce the number of lung cancer deaths per year by 50 percent.

Effects

• Radon gas levels found within homes and building structures are emitted through the ground. From there, it can be absorbed into building materials, groundwater supplies, and seep into work and living spaces as well. Humans are at risk for exposure when these gases are inhaled, or ingested. Also at risk are individuals who work in underground areas, particularly within the mining industry, as elevated levels of radioactive decay are present in these areas. Confined spaces like tunnels, caves, spas, power stations and public baths are areas in which high concentrations of radon can accumulate.

EPA Status Report

• The EPA reports elevated levels of radon gas exist in as many as 8 million homes across the country. This number breaks down to one in five homes currently at or beyond the acceptable limit. The EPA lifetime safety standard is based on the 4 PcI/L limit, which calculates the risk of carcinogen-related deaths at 1 in 100,000. As this gas cannot be identified by taste or smell, testing for radon is the only way to gauge its presence. In addition, there are no immediate symptoms present when someone is exposed to radon gas on a consistent basis.