Radon Testing and Information
Radon In Homes
Radon is related to over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be detected by human senses. Radon gas can infiltrate your home and accumulate to high levels, which then increases a person chances of developing lung cancer. The United State Environmental Protection Agency has recognized this issue and set an action level to address the concern of radon gas and lung cancer.
Radon Brochure
Radon Gas (Rn-222)
Radon gas continues to breakdown in the environment. By products of radon can attach to dust and other floating particles, making it more acceptable to be breathed in. As radon gas breakdowns alpha particles are released and after a series of additional transformations it will eventually stabilize into lead (lead-206). Radon gas has the ability to maneuver through spaces between particles. If a source is large enough and it has the ability to infiltrate a home (or building) through foundation cracks and openings it has the ability to accumulate to high levels. Radon is a noble gas, which means it is inert or will not combine with other chemicals. During the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium (or thorium) radon gas is formed. Uranium, as is radon, is almost present in all type of rock and soil, in different concentrations, throughout the United States.
Radon Gas Infiltration
Radon gas has the ability to move between soil particles and find any crack within a structure. If there is a large enough source radon has the ability to accumulate in homes in buildings. Some types of structures may be more prone to radon infiltration than others, however, every type of structure is still acceptable to the build-up of high indoor radon levels. Basements and crawlspaces create potential areas for radon infiltration. Structural appliances that may create a pressure differentials (such as whole-house fans and range hoods), a persons lifestyle, and other specific structural parameters all have the potential to play a role in the level of indoor radon. Nearly all radon in homes is originated from radon-in-soils. Radon-in-water is also a possible contributor to high indoor radon levels, but rarely is it the actual source of radon that causes a home to accumulate high indoor radon levels. (The USEPA recommends you test the air for radon first, and if found high and are utilizing a ground water source, test your water for radon.)
Radon Action Level (USEPA)
The average indoor radon concentration is about 1.3 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) and the average outdoor is around 0.4 pCi/L. The USEPA has set an action level of 4.0 pCi/L, which encourages homeowners to take measures to reduce levels. The USEPA also estimate that one out every 15 homes are above the action level. If possible, the USEPA also recommends considering fixing your home if levels are found above 2.0 pCi/L. Lowering the radon level decreases the chances of developing lung cancer.
Radon Testing
The only way to know if your home (or building) has radon is to test. Testing is can be very simple and can be done by the property owner or a professional (certified) radon tester. Certain states out have certain requirements for radon testing and it may be best to obtain services from a certified professional.
Tribal Radon Action Month (RAM):
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month (RAM). Radon Programs across the nation take this time to sponsor and/or host activities and events dedicated towards radon awareness and to further educating the people of the numerous radon issues. Every January the Bad River Tribal Indoor Radon Program will sponsor an event that brings radon awareness to the community, and further encourages people to test their homes.
The Tribal Indoor Radon Program will sponsor two events for RAM; the Radon Poster Contest and the Radon Coloring Contest. The goal of these two contests are intended to raise awareness about radon and further encourage every person to test their homes. Posting of rules and contest information will usually occur in late November, which the contest will usually end in early February.
Any further questions or if you would like further information please contact:
Zakkary Zander – Air Quality Technician
Natural Resource Department
72682 Maple Street
Odanah, WI 54861
Phone: 715-685-7840 ext. 1553
Email: airqualitytech@badriver-nsn.gov
The Bad River Tribal Indoor Radon Program reserves the right to change, alter, or dismiss any of the event or activities being sponsored or held by the Program. Our goal as a Radon Program is to raise awareness towards radon issues and at the same time create a fun learning environment for the children.