RADON

Radon. This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the foundation, ground water wells, and some building materials.

To protect yourself and your family from this radioactive gas, find out whether you're at risk. Here are some common questions and answers about radon.

Q: Why should I be concerned about radon?
A: Exposure to radon can increase your chances of getting lung cancer. Scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. Smoking combined with radon exposure is an especially dangerous health risk. 

Q: How does radon affect my health?
A: Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. These particles release bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. 

Q: What is radon? Where does it come from?
A: Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that results from the breakdown of uranium. Uranium is present in most of the soil and rock around the world. It is typically concentrated in areas with lots of granite, shale, phosphate and pitchblende. 

Q: How does radon enter your home?
A: Because radon is a gas, it can leak into your house through the basement or crawl space--via adjacent or exposed soil and rock--or through well water. Some building materials such as natural stone or rock can contain and emit radon. Radon can also be carried into your house through natural gas. 

Q: How do I know if my home has significant concentrations of radon?
A: The only way to know is to have your home tested. You may be able to hire a radon monitoring service--check your Yellow pages under "radon" or "labs." You can also monitor radon levels yourself by using an alpha track detector, which takes at least a month--up to a year for more accurate readings--to determine average radon concentration. Such detectors cost about $20-$25 per kit, which usually includes postage and reporting on test results. Because these long-term tests are exposed to radon for a longer period, they are generally considered more valid than the short-term carbon detector tests. These can be conducted in two to seven days and cost $10-$20 per kit. 

Q: Where can I get more information about radon?
A: Contact your local Extension Office or your state's health department. These agencies have pamphlets of information about radon, including A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon, published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

If you're concerned about radon in your home, take action now. Call your local Home Inspector and request a radon test.