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What is radon? |
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the radioactive decay of radium. Breathing high concentrations of radon can cause lung cancer. | |
Where does radon come from? |
In a very small fraction of homes, drinking water can be a significant source of radon. Most such homes have private wells that draw water from particular geologic formations. |
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Is radon really dangerous? |
Radon is radioactive. More importantly, it decays radioactively into other elements that are also radioactive, and unlike radon these other elements (such as polonium) stick in the lungs if inhaled. No serious scientist doubts that exposure to very high concentrations of radiation increases the risk of cancer. Additionally, there is evidence that radon is much more dangerous to smokers than to non-smokers. Click here to find out more about how we know radon is dangerous.. | |
OK, so very high exposures are dangerous. What about lower exposures? |
For lower concentrations the data are less clear. Some scientists think there might not be much risk, if any, from low exposures. Probably there is still some risk even at low concentrations, but it's hard to be sure. Click here to see why it's hard to tell. | |
What are the units of radon measurements? |
In the U.S., radon is measured in "pico-Curies per liter", abbreviated pCi/L. Most homes have living-area concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 pCi/L, but some homes are much higher. | |
Quit waffling! Is radon dangerous or not? |
Very high levels of radon
(above 10 or 15 pCi/L) are definitely dangerous.
There are homes with these concentrations!
Lower levels (2 to 10 pCi/L) are probably somewhat dangerous, with higher levels leading to higher risks. "Typical" indoor radon concentrations(0.5 to 2 pCi/L) might cause slightly increased risk compared to no radon at all, but such risk is probably very small and not worth worrying about compared to other risks that we tolerate every day (like slipping in the shower, stumbling down the stairs, having a fire at home, etc.) |
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Who should test for radon? Who should remediate their home? |
The EPA suggests that everyone in the country should test their home
for radon, and that people with living-area concentrations over 4 pCi/L
should remediate.
The LBNL high-radon project doesn't have an official position, but we do have thoughts on the subject. However, Dr. Price and his colleagues have done some thinking about this issue, and in fact you can get recommendations tailored to your own home at http://www.stat.columbia.edu/radon/ |
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How do I check for radon? |
There are several kinds of radon measurements. For most people, either a "charcoal canister" measurement or a "track-etch detector" measurement is most appropriate. Charcoal canisters only measure the average concentration over a few days (and radon can vary a lot from one day or week to the next); track-etch detectors measure the average concentration over weeks or months. Track-etch detectors are thus much, much better for estimating your actual radon risk. To find out more about measurement techniques, click here. |