Radon
Radon is estimated to cause 5,000 to 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the U.S. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home can trap radon inside. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.
Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for information about radon in your area. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Radon attaches itself to small particles in the air, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Radon may then damage dividing lung cells, possibly resulting in lung cancer.
The major sources of radon are:
- Soil that contains radon releasing material
- Water and natural gas that has passed through underground areas containing radon
- Solar-heating systems that use radon-emitting rocks to store heat; granite rock and
- Uranium or phosphate mine tailings.
- Well water
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The EPA and state radon offices have determined that the most accurate method to test for radon gas in the air is to use two calibrated radon gas detectors at the same time and location and take the average results. The Professional Radon Gas Test Kit includes two sample collectors, a prepaid return envelope and requires a $15 lab analysis fee. NJ Residents also pay an additional $10 NJ Dept of Environmental Protection Fee. The Professional Radon in Water Test Kit includes two sample collectors, a prepaid return envelope and requires a $15 lab analysis fee. NJ Residents also pay an additional $10 NJ Dept of Environmental Protection Fee. |
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