At high enough levels, radon in your home or place of business can be a serious health hazard. This is of particular concern during the winter when houses are closed up against the chill for long periods of time.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. As natural uranium in the soil decays, the resulting radon gas enters the atmosphere mainly through crevices and other weak points in the soil and rock structure. Every home and building built on or close to the ground is therefore subject to radon exposure. It can enter through cracks in slab foundations, from the soil beneath houses with crawl spaces, through gaps around pipes and electrical fixtures, and from cracks in walls. In some cases, well water brings this unwanted guest inside. Certain building materials, such as granite, may also emit radon.

Wyoming Is No Exception

While radon gas is found throughout the United States, it is more prevalent in some areas, including Wyoming. Radon that emerges into the atmosphere is dispersed and poses virtually no risk. However, when concentrated in homes and other buildings, radon can be a serious problem, as breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.  The average level of radon in outdoor air is 0.4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter), and the average level in indoor air is 1.3 pCi/L.

Radon Daughters or Progenies

As the radon gas decays inside the home, it produces new elements called “radon daughters or progenies” that are solids that stick to dust particles that can be inhaled. These radon-contaminated dust particles then stick to the airways of the lungs, increasing the chances of developing lung cancer.

Putting Things Into Perspective

To put the risk of radon in perspective, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a chart in which they compare the risk of radon to other risks. At a level of 4 pCi/L, the risk that non-smokers will develop lung cancer is about the same as the risk of dying in a car crash. For smokers, exposure to radon at a radon level of 4 pCi/L, the risk of developing lung cancer is 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash.

Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Wyoming.  In 2010, there were 295 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Wyoming residents and 229 deaths due to this disease.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.  Radon exacerbates the damage from smoking and puts smokers at an even higher risk for lung cancer.

Average Levels of Tested Households

What are the average levels of tested households pCi/L in the North East area of Wyoming?  According to AirCheck, Inc. who distribute the test kits and who evaluate the results, the answer is:

• Campbell County:       4.43
• Crook County:             6.05
• Johnson County:         4.39
• Sheridan County:        6.58
• Weston County:          8.14

Preventable

It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable. It is recommended that you test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level.

Testing Your Home

Testing is the only way to know if your home is at risk from radon. First, start with a short-term test kit (from 2 to 90 days). This should be done so you can easily find out if there is a problem rather than waiting months for long-term test results, meanwhile being possibly exposed to unhealthful radon levels. If your radon level is above 4 pCi/L, the first step it to repeat the test. If the average of the tests remains above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends fixing your home to prevent the inhalation of radon gas. They also state that individuals should consider repairs if the level falls between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. It is recommended that you contact a professional to perform radon mitigation (see resources below).

Obtaining Your Test Kit

You can obtain a free test kit by ordering from the Wyoming Department of Health at the Wyoming Department of Health Free Radon Test Kit Offer.

For more specific information contact the Wyoming Radon Program, at 307-777-6015, or visit the Wyoming Radon Program online.

You can read or download a copy of the US EPA’s A Citizen’s Guide to Radon online.  This publication goes into greater detail describing the meaning of your radon test results and what your personal hazard from the exposure may be.

If you haven’t tested your home, do it now during National Radon Action Month! Protect your family!

 

Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator

Sources:

• https://health.wyo.gov
• https://www.epa.gov