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Why test for radon?
- Radon causes about 3% to 16% of all lung cancer.
- Studies done by the World Health Organization (WHO)1 show that radon is the primary cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. However, the absolute numbers of radon-induced lung cancers are much larger in people who smoke, or who have smoked in the past, due to a strong combined effect of smoking and radon.
- Radon-induced lung cancers are mainly caused by low and moderate exposure rather than high radon concentrations because of the large number of people exposed to indoor radon with low concentrations, according to Dr. Maria Neira, Director of WHO's Public Health and Environment Department.
- WHO recommends a lower threshold of radon by recommending the radon test should read no higher than 2.7 pCi/L; however, Indiana says 4.0 pCi/L and higher should be remediated.
- The concentration of radon in a home depends on the amount of radon-producing uranium in the underlying rocks and soils.
How does Radon enter the home?
- Radon gas enters through the exchange of indoor and outdoor air as well as through cracks in concrete floor-wall junctions, gaps in the floor, small pores in hollow-block walls, and through sumps and drains. Consequently, radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars or other structural areas in contact with soil.
Are there other reasons to test for radon? Absolutely!
- If radon is 4.0 pCi/L or greater in the state of Indiana, the seller should pay for the remediation which costs between $500 and $1200.
- A remediation system works like a dehumidifier removing moist air from the foundation, which also helps to control mold growth in homes.
How does Indianapolis area compare to the rest of the US? Indianapolis area is zone 1, the highest level!
Here are two radon maps from the EPA:
This EPA map is available at: http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html
This EPA map is available at: http://www.epa.gov/radon/states/indiana.html
1http://www.who.int/phe/radiation/backgrounder_radon/en/index.html
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