What is the main source of radon gas?

What is the main source of radon gas?

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern.

How do professionals check for radon?

Charcoal tests absorb the radon in the air for a specified amount of time, and once in the lab, the radioactive particles emitted by the charcoal are counted or converted to light, giving a radon level readout. Alpha track tests use a plastic film that is etched by the alpha particles that strike it.

Can you drink water with radon?

Health Effects Radon can be inhaled from the air or ingested from water. Inhalation of radon increases the chances of lung cancer and this risk is much larger than the risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with a high radon concentration. Generally, ingested waterborne radon is not a major cause for concern.

How do you get rid of radon in your home?

In some cases, radon levels can be lowered by ventilating the crawlspace passively, or actively, with the use of a fan. Crawlspace ventilation may lower indoor radon levels both by reducing the home’s suction on the soil and by diluting the radon beneath the home.

Can I test radon myself?

You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. from a hardware store. Or you can order one by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) or going to the National Radon Program Services website (http://sosradon.org/test-kits). Set up the testing device to check the air for radon.

Can you filter radon out of air?

Yes, air purifiers help with radon gas reduction to some extent. The air purifiers with activated carbon filter technology are highly effective in trapping radon gas.

Does boiling water reduce radon?

Radon gas escapes from well water every time you open a faucet, use the kitchen sprayer, shower, do laundry, or boil or evaporate water. So you owe it to yourself and your family to test for radon in your well water and install a radon water mitigation system if the results exceed recommended levels.

What is buyer’s and seller’s Guide to radon?

Title Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon Author U.S. EPA | Indoor Air Quality Subject This Guide answers important questions a Keywords radon, radioactive gas, cancer, home, se Created Date 3/15/2018 2:23:05 PM

What should I do if I find radon in my home?

For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested. Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and, in many cases, may be reduced. Take steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon test.

Is there an EPA assessment of radon in homes?

EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003, June 2003), is available at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/epa-assessment-risks-radon-homes as a downloadable AdobeAcrobat PDF file. EPA’s reassessment was based on the National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS) report on the Health Effects of Exposure to Radon (BEIR VI, 1999).

What’s the average radon level in the air?

The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L; roughly. 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. The U.S. Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels.

What are the most common questions about radon?

Search Frequent Questions for immediate answers to the most common questions or send a question to our customer care team. What is Radon? Where does radon come from? How does radon get into your home? What is the average level of radon found in homes in the U.S.? What is National Radon Action Month? When is Radon Action Week?

Title Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon Author U.S. EPA | Indoor Air Quality Subject This Guide answers important questions a Keywords radon, radioactive gas, cancer, home, se Created Date 3/15/2018 2:23:05 PM

Is there a number to call for radon help?

National Radon Helpline: Get live help for your radon questions. 1 (800) 55-RADON (557-2366) National Radon Fix-It Line: For general information on fixing or reducing the radon level in your home. 1 (800) 644-6999

Is there a way to test your home for radon?

Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radonlevels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. You Can Fix a Radon Problem