Radon Gas Kills

Radon in the Home

2007-12-23T13:20:00.001-08:00

Over 40,000 people in the United States and Europe die each year from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon gas.

Most of these people are exposed to radon in the home. And yet, the majority of them are unaware of the health risks posed by radon, unaware that their home has dangerously elevated levels of radon, and, probably, unaware of what radon even is.

Part of the fault lies with governments and health organizations, which have failed to respond appropriately to so many deaths. Information about radon gas is not as widespread as it should be (although the situation is improving). But, part of the problem lies also with the homeowner: it's your home and your health. Educate yourself!

Because you can't see, smell, or taste radon, in order to find out whether or not it's in your home—and how much of it there is—you have to test for it. Tests are cheap and easy to administer. They're available online, even from sites like Amazon.

Finding out whether there is an elevated radon concentration in your home is your responsibility. Why? Because shirking this responsibility will hurt only you.

Car accidents close roads, slow down the flow of business; airborne diseases can affect anyone; and guns pose a physical threat to the government. Hence, there are initiatives to cut down on these problems.

With radon, it hurts only you. And, as callous as it sounds, it's more profitable for health care providers to treat you when get lung cancer than to prevent it in the first place.

So, take charge: call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or an equivalent in your country, get the proper information, test your home, and take appropriate action. Simply because no one's actively helping you, doesn't mean they're actively trying to stop you. The truth is, they just don't care.

So: you care.

What are safe radon levels?

2007-12-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, we're not sure. On one hand, since radon doesn't have any health benefits, the ideal safe radon level is zero: no radon exposure. On the other hand, there are levels under which exposure to radon, while not good, is rather negligible.

What is this boundary between negligible and harmful or lung cancer causing?

That depends on which experts you ask!

In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems the limit, expressed as maximum exposure per year, to be 148 Bq/m^3.

In Britain, and across the European Union, the limit is slightly higher: 200 Bq/m^3.

While, in Canada, the dividing line between safe and harmful is much higher. Canadians, according to Health Canada, are safe unless they're exposed to more than 800 Bq/m^3!

In other words, we don't quite know what the magic number is. Or if there even is one.

But, erring on the side of caution—in this case the US number—seems like the sensible thing to do, whether you're in the US, Britain or Canada. It's your health, after all.

Radon Test Kits on Amazon

2007-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Some people don't know where to look for radon test kits. Hence, they don't test their homes. Because radon awareness is such a low priority, most us of don't realize that the kits are even available at the same online spot we buy DVDs and books: Amazon.

Amazon's stock of radon test kits includes:

I'm not sure how good any of these are because I haven't used them, but the important thing is that they're available at the click of a button. It's important to at least be aware of that.

Free Radon Test Kit in Texas

2007-12-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now offering free short term radon test kits for state residents.

According to the US Enivornmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon levels in Texas are quite low, and only a few areas have even a "moderate radon potential". But, you sure can't beat free. I mean, even the envelope you get with the kit to send in your test for interpretation of results has it's postage paid!

There's really no reason not to get and use the test kit.

So, if you're a Texan, contact the DSHS for more information. Their free phone number is 1-800-293-0753. Or, you can email them.

What is radon mitigation?

2007-12-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

Radon mitigation is the process by which you lower the amount of radon in your home.

It's a simple concept that's intentionally been made more imposing by a serious-sounding piece of jargon, usually to convince you that you need a professional to do it for you. But, even though the term mitigation itself may sound complex and technical, it just means an act that lessens or moderates—in this case, radon gas.

Radon mitigation could just as well have been called radon mellowing. Sounds better already, doesn't it?

So, always remember that while there are retailers and professionals who will claim that there is only one way to lower radon—and some will claim "radon mitigation" as a singular patented process which only they can legally provide—this isn't the case. Radon mitigation is a bit like dieting: there are many ways of doing it!

Hence, radon can be "mitigated" using various methods.

First, you can seal the cracks and crannies through which the radon gets into your home. Comb your basement floors and walls for unwanted openings, grab a concrete crack repair kit, and away you go. Sound simple? It is. And, more importantly, if less radon gets into your home, then less radon gets into your lungs, and you have a lower your risk of developing lung cancer.

Second, if you can't lessen the amount of radon gas entering your home, you can speed up the rate by which it leaves. The key here is ventilation. You can do this the easy way, and achieve some results by opening windows, using fans, creating and taking advantage of drafts; or, you can do it the more direct way, and actually increase the power and effectiveness of your home's ventilation system. These upgrades run from about $1000 - $3000 a pop, but they do work.

Other creative methods of reducing radon gas in your house are soil suction, which attempts to suck the radon out from beneath your home, thereby decreasing the amount of gas that does get inside, and home pressurization, another jargon-laden term that basically refers to creating a pressure difference between the exterior and interior of your home so that radon is pushed back rather than sucked in. Basically, if you can think back to high school physics and remember how gases interact with one another, you can apply that knowledge to the problem of radon. It's not an impossible problem to understand; it's just an unwanted gas.

Which type of radon mitigation you need depends on your particular situation, but sealing cracks and opening windows is always a good idea, regardless. For more information, please take advantage of your government's health services. After all, you pay the taxes, so take advantage of what they're used for!

Radon Gas Map: N. Ireland

2007-12-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

The Isles are becoming complete. We now have radon maps for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland!

In addition, there's also the United States radon map.

Radon Gas Map: Ireland

2007-12-19T18:20:00.000-08:00

In addition to the radon maps of England/Wales and the United States, there's now a radon gas map for Ireland. It's divided into provinces, and is fairly detailed. The Irish are one of the leading nations in the "fight against radon".

Update: we now have a radon map for Northern Ireland, too!

Radon Gas Map: USA

2007-12-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a radon risk assessment map that shows which areas of the United States are more likely to have dangerously high radon levels.

The map is divided into three types of "zones": high potential, moderate potential, and low potential. While this is fine for people living in the high and low zones, those in the moderate zones will probably want to know whether they're just above the low or just below the high!

Still, it's a useful visual guide. And all Americans are encouraged to have a look.

The radon gas map of the USA is available here.

If there are general conclusions to be drawn from the data, they're very basic: the Southeast (most of Texas, Florida, etc.) is the most radon free while the more dangerous radon areas are clustered toward the North, near the Canadian border.

Incidentally, if any Canadians are reading, though the map doesn't cover Canada, the results suggest that Canadians living near the US border (most of you!) are in a high risk radon area.

As for English-speaking Europeans, there are similar map available for England, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

Radon Gas Map: UK

2007-12-19T17:31:00.008-08:00

UKradon, a British company that sells "Radon Risk Reports", has created a helpful and eye-opening map of England and Wales (Sorry, Scotland!) that shows which areas in the two countries are most afflicted by dangerous levels of radon gas.

You can see the UK radon map here.

In general, the Western parts of the Isle are much more prone to radon than the Eastern parts, which are relatively free of radon risk, according to the map. North and South appear relatively equal.

Overall, Southeast England has the most dangerous levels of radon gas: over 30% of homes in this area have radon problems!

But, if you live anywhere in England or Wales, I suggest you take a look at the map for yourself.

Update: we now have a radon map for Northern Ireland, too!

Radon Test

2007-12-18T21:20:00.003-08:00

Radon tests come in two broad types:

1. Short Term

A short term radon test remains in your home for anywhere from a few days to three months. It is unobtrusive, inexpensive, does not require input from you, and is easy to set up. After the test is completed, you must, however, send it to a lab for test results. But, if you're going to use a short-term radon test, remember to place it in the right spot!

Short-term radon test kits are even available on Amazon.

2. Long Term

A long term radon test—which is any test that stays in your house for over three months—is more accurate and more expensive than a short term kit. The results you get with a long term radon test are, however, a better reflection of your yearly radon levels. In the winter, for example, when ventilation is worse than in the summer, radon levels will be higher.

Lone-term radon test kits should be purchased with more care than short term kits, and from a reputable maker. It's your future that's at stake!

So, which type of radon test should you choose?

The general consensus is that a short-term test is a quick and easy way to find out if you have a radon gas problem—or, in other words, if you need to do a long term test. If the short term radon test results come back sufficiently high, then a long-term test should be used as a more accurate follow-up.

Facts About Radon

2007-12-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas
Exposure to low concentrations of radon is not harmful
Exposure to high levels of radon increases your chances of developing lung cancer

In Canada, the exposure limit is 800 Bq/m^3

In the EU, it's 200 Bq/m^3

In the US, it's 148 Bq/m^3

Exposure to high radon levels is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US
Radon enters buildings through cracks in cements floors and, if the building has a basement, through basement walls; but it can also enter through the water supply
Radon concentrations must be measured using radon testing tools
There are several ways to reduce radon concentrations in a building

Seal the cracks through which it enters
Increase ventilation to move it out
Hire a professional

Areas with granitic soils are more radon-prone
Radon testing is inexpensive

Effects of Radon Gas

2007-12-17T20:35:00.003-08:00

In short: radon gas raises your risk of developing lung cancer. After cigarettes, it's the second leading cause of lung cancer in America (mixing radon gas and cigarettes is probably not a good idea, either!). But, much like with cigarettes, the effects of radon gas aren't absolute.

What do I mean?

If you smoke one cigarette a week, your chances of developing lung cancer don't suddenly sky rocket, don't equal the chances of someone who smokes a pack a day. Likewise, with radon gas, it's not a huge threat when the concentration is low. Hence, radon gas encountered outside, in the great outdoors, is negligible.

It's when the concentration increases—as happens when a poorly-ventilated home contains a leak in the floor through which the radon seeps in, and becomes trapped because there's no clear way out—that the danger increases, and the effects of radon gas become something to worry about.

Radon gas is not a gas that will kill you the minute you come into contact with it. It's not an ominous gas you'd see in a spy movie. It won't affect you if you breathe some in while walking home by the granite quarry, or even if you visit someone with a radon gas problem in their home.

It's prolonged exposure to an environment that has high levels of radon gas concentration that are dangerous and should be avoided—or, better yet, fixed.

The effects of radon gas are dangerous only in particular situations. But, when they are, they are dangerous, indeed.

Radon Gas Symptoms?

2007-12-17T20:25:00.001-08:00

Sometimes people pose questions about the "symptoms of radon gas". This is a tricky question to answer, because it's unclear what the person is really asking.

Why?

Because, taken literally, the question doesn't mean anything. Radon gas does not have symptoms. Simple enough, right.

But perhaps the person means to ask: how do I know there's radon gas in my home? This is a sensible question, but also a scary one. The answer is that unless you measure radon gas levels, you don't know. Radon gas is colourless and odourless; that's why it's dangerous.

However, the person could also mean: what symptoms would I have if I came into contact with radon gas? To which the answer is also simple and more than a little scary. You wouldn't have any symptoms. You wouldn't get a rash, for example, and you wouldn't start to sneeze.

Radon gas raises your risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, it's the second major cause, after cigarettes. And while lung cancer has its own set of symptoms, simple exposure to radon gas does not have any.

Hopefully, that covers whatever the person asking that question actually wants to know.

Venting Radon Gas

2007-12-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

Radon gas usually gets into buildings through cracks in the floor or basement walls. If enough gets in, the concentration gets high enough that the radon gas becomes dangerous and will increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

That's why ventilation is key!

Properly venting radon gas out of your home keeps the radon concentration below dangerous limits. That's why, even if you do have radon gas in your home, you can do something about it (sealing cracks is important, as well). Simply vent, whether by upgrading a professional ventilation system or keeping more windows open. Let the fresh air in.

Heck, even if you don't have a radon gas problem, a well ventilated house is so much nicer than a stuffy one. And healthier.

Radon Gas & Granite Counter Tops

2007-12-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

One of the latest radon gas scares relates to the relationship between radon gas and granite counter tops that you might have in your kitchen—or that you might be thinking about buying.

Thankfully, this is a false warning. If you have granite counter tops, don't worry! They're perfectly safe. And look very nice, I'm sure.

The accusations that radon gas might be contained in granite counter tops were first published by Solid Surface, the Journal of the Solid Surface Industry, in an article called "Granite & Radon". While there is a link between radon gas and granite—the stone itself—that attempt to give "scientific" validity to the claim, these particular accusations are merely a form of dirty commercial competition used by rival counter top manufacturers to convince people not to buy granite. Plain and simple, it's fear-mongering.

Think of it this way: if radon gas can be found in granite, it would be found in granite from specific locations—not everywhere. Hence, what are the chances, even if this study were true, that the radon-containing granite would actually be the granite that comes out of the quarry that then sells it to the company that makes granite counter tops?

There is no real link between radon gas and granite counter tops.

At least not yet.

National Radon Action Week

2005-10-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

The period of October 16 to October 22 is National Radon Action Week in the United States. What is National Radon Action Week, you ask?

The National Safety Council (NSC) has the following to say:

"[National Radon Action Week] began in 1990 as a congressional resolution and now takes the form of a presidential message from the White House asking Americans to take preventive action on this health risk.
The purpose of the week is to draw attention to radon as a serious public health issue and, more important, to motivate Americans to take action to protect themselves from radon health effects. This week has traditionally been highlighted by media and event blitzes that feature specific high-profile activities such as radon testing of celebrity homes, community radon test challenges, and retailer promotions, to name a few."

But purpose and reality are two different beasts.

Reality is that I didn't see a presidential message, any sort of media "blitz", celebrity "high-profile activities", or anything else that would make National Radon Action Week different from a regular week. In fact, searching news sources brought up only three articles that mentioned it, and they were from obscure American newspapers.

What is National Radon Action Week?

Not enough.

Radon & Apartments

2005-09-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

So far, this site has been posting about the dangers of an elevated concentration of radon in the house. However, not everyone lives in a house.

Millions live in apartments -- how can radon affect them?

The American Lung Association (ALA) offers the following warning to apartment owners:

"Any home can have a radon problem - even apartments if they are below the third floor. Testing for radon is a simple precaution that everyone should take. Homes with radon problems can be fixed."

One of the good things about testing in an apartment building is that several parties can split the cost of the radon testing kit, which costs from $10 to $30.

Investing a few coins in a healthier, longer life is a solid investment.

"Get radon tested," say Irish

2005-09-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Amid the general disinterest and lack of education in the United States and Canada about radon and its dangers, the succinct and direct advice offered by Dr. McGarry, who works for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), is a flash of much-needed good sense.

"The advice from the RPII remains the same. There is no reason for anyone to be at risk from radon exposure, whether they are smokers or not. Testing is cheap and easy, and remediation where required is extremely cost effective."

Hopefully, Dr. McGarry's voice won't be the only one spreading this important and life-saving message.

Survey Confirms Smoking-Radon Link

2005-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

A study conducted by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and based on the examination of 7,000 lung cancer deaths across Europe has added further proof to the argument that cigarette smokers face a greater risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to high concentrations of radon than do non-smokers.

According to the study, the risk among smokers is an astonishing twenty five times higher.

But simply quitting smoking doesn’t automatically lower one’s risk. Lungs damaged by cigarettes take a long time to heal, and their owners face an elevated risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure for years after they toss the habit.

Read the official press release: here

Does radon gas cause cancer?

2005-09-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Studies show that exposure to high concentrations of radon significantly increases the chance of developing lung cancer.

As a result, governments and health organizations in the United States, the European Union, and Canada have taken steps to educate their citizens about the dangers of radon in the home.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently implemented a new project aimed at reaching people around the world and curbing the number of easily preventable deaths that occur from radon-induced lung cancer each year.

Are smoking and radon a bad mix?

2005-09-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

Some sources claim that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to high a concentration of radon. While studies have not sufficiently proven this, smokers do make up over ¾ of the deaths attributed to lung cancer caused by radon.

What is certain is that cigarettes do not help, in addition to being extremely harmful on their own.

Is radon in my home?

2005-09-19T22:37:00.001-07:00

Since radon gas is odourless and colourless, it is undetectable to your senses. Hence, a proper radon test must be used to detect and measure the concentration of radon. These radon tests are reasonably priced and the risk of contracting radon-induced lung cancer far outweighs the cost of a detection kit!

How do I reduce radon in my home?

2005-09-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Radon levels in a home can be reduced by preventing radon from entering the home, increasing the rate at which it leaves, or both. Sealing cracks in the cement foundation of the home and upgrading the home’s ventilation system certainly help, for example.

However, it’s best to contact your local health organization or a radon specialist for detailed instructions about “radon-proofing” your home. They will be able to suggest the most appropriate course of action based on the specifics of the building.

Radon repairs run from $500 to $2500.

How do I measure radon?

2005-09-19T22:36:00.001-07:00

There are several commercial ways of measuring the level of radon gas in your home.

The most common and cheapest tool is a short-term passive radon detector, which can be purchased from most hardware stores or ordered online. It costs from $10-$30 and is easy and quick to operate, but must be sent to a lab for analysis.

For a more accurate reading there are long-term detectors, which must stay in your home for up to 90 days.

The ideal location for placing a passive radon detector is several feet away from any windows or doors and at breathing height. In most cases, this is difficult, so placing the detector 10cm above the ground is sufficient.

A company can also be hired to come to a home and measure the concentration of radon. However, this is more expensive than a “do-it-yourself” radon detection kit.

How much radon is too much?

2005-09-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

There is no global consensus on what constitutes an elevated or dangerous concentration of radon.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 148 Bq/m3 as the maximum safe concentration level of radon.

The European Union places the limit higher, at 200 Bq/m3.

In Canada, health officials state that 800 Bq/m3 is the highest acceptable concentration but a lower limit is currently being researched.

Erring on the side of the lowest, American, number would definitely be safest. Radon doesn't care where you're from. It's not an equal-opportunity health hazard.

Where is radon found?

2005-09-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that occurs in nature. It can be found anywhere. On the periodic table, it is element Rn, and is found on the right edge, beside astatine. But, I doubt that's what you really mean...

The real question: where are dangerous radon levels found?

The short answer is in buildings. Only in enclosed spaces can radon concentrations become high enough to become a lung cancer risk. And, since radon occurs naturally in the ground, it often seeps into homes through cracks in cement floors and walls. Homes with basements are especially vulnerable to this seepage, as basement floors and walls are more prone to cracks. In some cases, radon may also enter a house through the water supply; but this isn't very common.

In terms of geography, radon can occur pretty much anywhere. But, regions with granitic soils seem to be the most prone. In North America, for example, states like Florida and the majority of Texas are at a low risk of radon gas, while Montana or Maine are almost uniformly areas of high radon potential. Broadly, then, we could say that the radon risk in the United States is higher in the North than in the South. However, we should always be wary of making such blanket statements. It's a good idea to take a look at the EPA's radon map of America, no matter where you live!

In the United States, it is estimated that close to 7% of homes have a dangerously elevated concentration of radon, making it a widespread and democratic threat.

If you've checked the EPA map and have found that you live in an area with a high or moderate radon potential, you should contact your local health authorities, or simply purchase and use a radon test kit. These are cheap, easy to set up, and are the only way to know how much radon you have in your home.

Why is radon dangerous?

2005-09-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Studies have shown a direct link between exposure to high concentrations of radon gas and lung cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has hypothesized that radon gas is responsible for around 15% of worldwide lung cancer cases, and has recently launched a new project whose aim is to educate people about the dangers of the gas.

According to health experts, approximately 20,000 Americans and 20,000 Europeans die each year from lung cancer caused by radon gas.

What is radon?

2005-09-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Radon was discovered by the German physicist Friedrich Ernst Dorn in 1900.

It is a colourless and odourless gas formed by the decay of radium that is naturally present in the ground, sometimes in ground water and in a much lower concentration in the air.

Although it is a carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer), exposure to radon is only harmful in high concentrations. In fact, some people claim that exposure to low concentrations of radon is actually beneficial to one’s health.

The most likely scenario is that exposure to low concentrations of radon gas is negligible, while exposure to a high concentration can be fatal.