January National Radon Action Month

Transcription

1 January National Radon Action Month A note from the author This month, I decided to feature a topic that has not yet been covered on this Health Ministry website: Radon exposure. Although many people have had their homes tested for radon and may be familiar with EPA recommendations to test their homes, most people cannot explain why radon is so hazardous to your health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as national Radon Action Month, a perfect time for you to protect your family by testing your home for radon. Read more below to find out about this invisible gas that can cause so much damage. What is radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas that can only be detected through radon testing. It is a radioactive gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of in the United States today. Only smoking causes more deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of is especially high. Where is Radon?

2 Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building homes, offices, and schools and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. How does Radon get into my home? Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves. 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 ( html) for general information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test. Radon can also be a problem in schools and workplaces. RADON GETS IN THROUGH: 1. Cracks in solid floors. 2. Construction joints. 3. Cracks in walls. 4. Gaps in suspended floors. 5. Gaps around service pipes. 6. Cavities inside walls. 7. The water supply.

3 What risk does Radon pose? You can t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop. And the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years. Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners). Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stop smoking and lower your radon level to reduce your risk. Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults of certain types of cancer from radiation, but there are currently no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon. Your chances of getting from radon depend mostly on: How much radon is in your home The amount of time you spend in your home Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked

4 What ARE the EPA s Recommendations on Radon? Test your home for radon it s easy and inexpensive. if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter () or higher. Radon levels less than 4 still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced Radon and Lung Cancer (DIRECT QUOTE FROM THE EPA.GOV WEBSITE) (2005) Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miner s who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes, said Tom Kelly, Former Director of EPA s Indoor Environments Division. We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to. Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers Alike The Facts... Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of. Although can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases can be prevented. Smoking is the leading cause of. Smoking causes an estimated 160,000* cancer deaths in the U.S. every year (American Cancer Society, 2004). And the rate among women is rising. On January 11, 1964, Dr. Luther L. Terry, then U.S. Surgeon General, issued the first warning on the link between smoking and. Lung

5 cancer now surpasses breast cancer as the number one cause of death among women. A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of. Radon is the number one cause of among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of and responsible for an estimated 3,000 deaths every year. Smoking affects non-smokers by exposing them to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can have serious consequences for children s health, including asthma attacks, affecting the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), and may cause ear infections. For smokers the risk of is significant due to the synergistic effects of radon and smoking. For this population about 62 people in a 1,000 will die of lung-cancer, compared to 7.3 people in a 1,000 for never smokers. Put another way, a person who never smoked (never smoker) who is exposed to 1.3 has a 2 in 1,000 chance of ; while a smoker has a 20 in 1,000 chance of dying from. Radon Risk If You Smoke from "A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon" Radon Level If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*... The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**... WHAT TO DO: Stop smoking and About 260 people could get 250 times the risk of drowning 10 About 150 people could get 200 times the risk of dying in a home fire 8 About 120 people could get 30 times the risk of dying in a fall 4 About 62 people could get 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash 2 About 32 people could get 6 times the risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and About 20 people could get (Average indoor radon level)

6 0.4 About 3 people could get (Average outdoor radon level) (Reducing radon levels below 2 is difficult.) Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower. * Lifetime risk of deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R ). ** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports. Radon Risk If You Have Never Smoked Radon Level If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*... The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**... WHAT TO DO: 20 About 36 people could get 35 times the risk of drowning 10 About 18 people could get 20 times the risk of dying in a home fire 8 About 15 people could get 4 times the risk of dying in a fall 4 About 7 people could get The risk of dying in a car crash 2 About 4 person could get The risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and About 2 people could get (Average indoor radon level) (Average outdoor radon level) (Reducing radon levels below 2 is difficult.) Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher. * Lifetime risk of deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R ). ** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports. Why should I take action?

7 The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 deaths each year. Yet it s a health hazard with a simple solution. You CAN fix a radon problem. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. How can I take action? The EPA recommends all homeowners test their residences for radon gas concentrations. There are both short- and long-term testing kits available 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. EPA also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon. Refer to the EPA s website for additional information including remediation information if radon is found in homes. Testing for Radon Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, so testing is the only way to know if radon is present in your home or school. Test kits are available in home improvement centers, hardware stores and online. They cost approximately $20. The kits are simple to use with easy testing and mailing instructions. Winter is an especially good time to test because windows and doors are closed and families tend to spend more time inside where radon can be trapped. You can t see radon, but it s not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in your home. All you need to do is test for radon. Testing is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time. The amount of radon in the air is measured in picocuries per liter of air, or. There are many kinds of low-cost do it yourself radon test kits you

8 can get through the mail and in some hardware stores and other retail outlets. If you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can hire a qualified tester to do the testing for you. You should first contact your state radon office about obtaining a list of qualified testers. You can also contact a private radon proficiency program for lists of privately certified radon professionals serving your area. For links and more information, visit There are Two General Ways to Test for Radon: SHORT-TERM TESTING: The quickest way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your home for two days to 90 days, depending on the device. Charcoal canisters, alpha track, electret ion chamber, continuous monitors, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors are most commonly used for short-term testing. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is less likely than a long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you need results quickly, however, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used to decide whether to fix your home (see also page 7 under Home Sales). LONG-TERM TESTING: Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. Alpha track and electret detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A longterm test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home s year-round average radon level than a short-term test. How To Use a Test Kit: Follow the instructions that come with your test kit. If you are doing a short-term test, close your windows and outside doors and keep them closed as much as possible during the test. Heating and air conditioning system fans that recirculate air may be operated. Do not operate fans or other machines which bring in air from outside. Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating only for short periods of time may run during the test. If you are doing a shortterm test lasting just 2 or 3 days, be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test, too. You should not conduct short-term tests lasting just 2 or 3 days during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds. The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor). It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den, or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom. Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won t be disturbed away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls. Leave the kit in place for as long as the package says. Once you ve finished the test, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package right away for analysis. You should receive your test results within a few weeks. EPA Recommends the Following Testing Steps: Step 1. Take a short-term test. If your result is 4 or higher, take a followup test (Step 2) to be sure. Step 2. Follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test: For a better understanding of your year-round average radon level, take a long-term test. If you

9 need results quickly, take a second short-term test. The higher your initial short-term test result, the more certain you can be that you should take a short-term rather than a long-term follow up test. If your first short-term test result is more than twice EPA s 4 action level, you should take a second short-term test immediately. Step 3. If you followed up with a long-term test: if your longterm test result is 4 or more. If you followed up with a second short-term test: The higher your short-term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is 4 or higher (see also page 7 under Home Sales). TESTING FOR RADON: WHAT YOUR RESULTS MEAN The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3, and about 0.4 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. While this goal is not yet technologically achievable in all cases, most homes today can be reduced to 2 or below. Sometimes short-term tests are less definitive about whether or not your home is above 4. This can happen when your results are close to 4. For example, if the average of your two short-term test results is 4.1, there is about a 50% chance that your year-round average is somewhat below 4. However, EPA believes that any radon exposure carries some risk no level of radon is safe. Even radon levels below 4 pose some risk, and you can reduce your risk of by lowering your radon level. If your living patterns change and you begin occupying a lower level of your home (such as a basement) you should retest your home on that level. Even if your test result is below 4, you may want to test again sometime in the future.

10 Buying or building a new home? EPA recommends including radon testing as part of any real estate transactions and consider having your newly constructed home built with radon resistant features. Unsafe levels of radon can lead to serious illness. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of in the United States with an estimated 21,000 deaths a year. Only smoking causes more deaths. By making simple fixes in a home or building people can lower their health risks from radon. The mid-atlantic region had a reminder earlier this year about just how important it is to get homes tested for radon when a home in Lehigh County, Pa. recorded the highest radon level ever in Pennsylvania. The concentration measured was 3,715 picocuries per liter (). Several other homes in the area have had measured concentrations over 1,000. EPA recommends that any dwelling or structure with a radon concentration of more than 4 be remediated to lower the radon concentration. New homes can be built with radon-resistant features Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels further if these passive techniques don t reduce radon levels to below 4. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radonresistant. If radon levels are still in

11 excess of 4, the passive system should be activated by having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan. How to Reduce the Radon Level in Your Home Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. But the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your home. There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Similar systems can also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors can use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors. Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA s Consumer s Guide to Radon Reduction. You can get a copy at The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The cost to fix can vary widely; consult with your state radon office or get one or more estimates from qualified mitigators. The cost is much less if a passive system was installed during construction. Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help you pick the right treatment method. Check with your state radon office for names of qualified or state certified radon contractors in your area. You can also contact private radon proficiency programs for lists of privately certified radon professionals in your area. For more information on private radon proficiency programs, visit Picking someone to fix your radon problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home

12 repairs you may want to get references and more than one estimate. If you are considering fixing your home s radon problem yourself, you should first contact your state radon office for guidance and assistance ( radon/whereyoulive.html). You should also test your home again after it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced. Most soil suction radon reduction systems include a monitor that will indicate whether the system is operating properly. In addition, it s a good idea to retest your home every two years to be sure radon levels remain low. Radon in the News A great article was posted in the Albert Lea Tribune on January 1, Although the above information may be helpful, I decided to also include the full text of the Albert Lea Tribune article for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! From the Albert Lea Tribune published January 2, 2016: Title: National Radon Action Month to be recognized Text: Radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the leading cause of among non-smokers. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon each year in the United States. Fortunately, the risk is largely preventable, by testing homes and fixing radon problems. According to a press release, about two in five Minnesota homes have dangerous levels of radon gas and state health officials said every home should be tested. According to Air Check Incorporated, the national average indoor radon level is 1.3. In Freeborn county the average is 9.2. Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soils. It can enter into all kinds of homes through cracks or openings in walls or foundations. The only way for residents to know if their home has radon is to test.

13 Testing is easy, inexpensive and only takes three to five days. The best time to test is during the heating season, but testing can be done year-round. Test kits are available at Freeborn County Public Health at no charge. Kits can also be found at many hardware stores or directly from radon testing laboratories. A list of participating health agencies and test kit vendors can be found on the MDH web site at Tests should be done in the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. If your home s level is at or above 4 pic/l, you should consider verification testing and having a radon mitigation system installed. Anyone interested in mitigating their home for radon should consult MDH s list of certified radon mitigation contractors The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, now requires disclosure and information be provided to buyers about radon during Minnesota home sales. The law requires sellers to inform buyers whether their home has been tested for radon and if so, what the levels are and whether the home has been mitigated for radon. In addition, sellers must provide a warning statement and a twopage publication to the buyer. Radon tests can be incorporated into a home inspection. The law does not require radon testing or mitigation. For more information on radon, visit or call Freeborn County Public Health at , or the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit at or To see how radon has affected the lives of cancer patients and their families visit References