Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get a radon test
kit, Are they free?
A: Do-it yourself radon test kits are
available from several sources. Free test kits are sometimes
available from local or county health departments, or from state
radon programs and may also be available at some home improvement stores.
Q: How does radon get into
your home?
A: Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of
uranium that is found in nearly all rocks and 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.
Q: What is the average level
of radon found in homes in the U.S.?
A: Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991,
the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)
in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
Q: How can you find a
qualified radon service provider in your area?
A: If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service
professional to test or mitigate your home, or you need to purchase
or have questions about a radon measurement device, you should:
- Contact your State Radon Contact, go to
www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html and click on your state
to get contact information. Some States maintain lists of contractors available in their
state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their
own.
- Contact one or both of the two privately-run National Radon Proficiency Programs listed below.
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
National Radon Proficiency Program
Toll Free: (800) 269-4174 or (828) 890-4117
Fax: (828) 890-4161
Website: www.neha-nrpp.org/
E-Mail Address:
angel@neha-nrpp.org
The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)
Toll Free: (866) 329-3474
Fax: (914) 345-1169
WebSite: www.nrsb.org
E-mail Address: info@NRSB.org
Q: What are the health effects
from exposure to radon?
A: There are no immediate symptoms from exposures to radon. Based on
an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes
epa.gov/radon/risk_assessment.html, radon in indoor air
is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in
the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing
Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect
which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer
would usually occur years (5-25) after exposure. There is no
evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused
by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any
greater risk of radon induced lung cancer than adults.
Q: What is the debate on
radon?
A: There is no debate about radon being a lung carcinogen in humans.
All major national and international organizations that have
examined the health risks of radon agree that it is a lung
carcinogen. The scientific community continues to conduct research
to refine our understanding of the precise number of deaths
attributable to radon.
Q: How do I know if my radon
mitigation system is working properly?
A: There are several methods that a contractor can use to lower
radon levels in your home. Some techniques prevent radon from
entering your home while others reduce radon levels after it has
entered. EPA generally recommends methods which prevent the entry of
radon. Soil suction, for example, prevents radon from entering your
home by drawing the radon from below the house and venting it
through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the house where it is
quickly diluted.
FAQ Source: http://www.epa.gov