| Call Us Toll Free! (866) MOLDQUEST (866) 665-3783 |
taste that comes from the radioactive decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater.
Uranium is present in varying quantities throughout the United States, but even in areas
with relatively low quantities, structures can still exceed the EPA's recommended limits of
exposure for radon. Radon emits ionizing radiation during its radioactive decay to several
radioactive isotopes known as radon decay products.
Radon gets into the indoor air primarily from soil under homes and other buildings. Radon
is a known human lung carcinogen, and is the largest source of radiation exposure and
risk to the general public. Most inhaled radon is rapidly exhaled, but the inhaled decay
products readily deposit in the lung, where they irradiate sensitive cells in the airways
increasing the risk of lung cancer.
|
exceeding 4.0pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) of radon
should have a radon mitigation system installed to
reduce the occupant's exposure levels. These
systems cost the average homeowner between $800
and $1000.
Group A carcinogen. Other substances classified as
Group A carcinogens include mustard gas, tobacco
smoke, asbestos, benzene and vinyl chloride
structure has elevated levels
of radon is to have it tested.
Michigan for estimated
radon levels by county
Persons exposed to radon will have no immediate symptoms.
Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor
air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the
United States every year. Smokers are at higher risk of developing
Radon-induced lung cancer. The only health effect which has been definitively linked
with radon exposure is lung cancer. Lung cancer would usually occur years (5-25) after
exposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are
caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk
of radon induced lung cancer than adults.
| CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS TESTED FOR RADON |
| Radon Level (a) |
Lifetime Risk of Lung Cancer Death (per person) from Radon Exposure in Homes (b) |
What to Do |
||
| Never Smokers |
Current Smokers (c) |
General Population |
||
| 20 pCi/L |
36 out of 1,000 |
26 out of 100 |
11 out of 100 |
Install a mitigation system |
| 10 pCi/L |
18 out of 1,000 |
15 out of 100 |
56 out of 1,000 |
Install a mitigation system |
| 8 pCi/L |
15 out of 1,000 |
12 out of 100 |
45 out of 1,000 |
Install a mitigation system |
| 4 pCi/L |
73 out of 10,000 |
62 out of 1,000 |
23 out of 1,000 |
Install a mitigation system |
| 2 pCi/L |
37 out of 10,000 |
32 out of 1,000 |
12 out of 1,000 |
Consider fixing if between 2 and 4 pCi/L |
| 1.3 pCi/L |
23 out of 10,000 |
20 out of 1,000 |
73 out of 10,000 |
Reducing radon levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult |
| 0.4 pCi/L |
73 out of 100,000 |
64 out of 10,000 |
23 out of 10,000 |
Reducing radon levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult |
| (a) Assumes constant lifetime exposure in homes at these levels. (b) Estimates are subject to uncertainties as discussed in Chapter VIII of the risk assessment.( (c) Note: BEIR VI did not specify excess relative risks for current smokers. |
||||
© MoldQuest International, 2004 - All Rights Reserved.
