About Radon...

Radon is one of nature’s 92 naturally occurring elements.  It is not a man-made pollutant.  It is a radioactive byproduct of the decay of uranium, which is found in most geological formations.

Some general facts:  Radon is element number 76 in the periodical table.  It is a chemically inert gas (meaning it does not form any chemical compounds with other elements). It is radioactive, emitting damaging radiation in its decay.  It has a “half-life” of 3.8 days…and it can only exist anywhere if its immediate radioactive source (Radium) is present.   It is colorless and odorless, and can only be detected with special instruments or devices.

The task of a Radon mitigation system is to remove the Radon gas from the air in the structure before it or its byproducts can be inhaled.

Radon has been found in almost all types of geological formations. 

The concentration of Radon in air is measured in units called picocuries per liter (“pCi/l”).    The US EPA and most state agencies have stated that any indoor concentration that exceeds 4.0 pCi/l should be of concern and mitigation should be considered.  

Federal agencies have estimated that Radon is the second-leading cause of lung disease, after cigarette smoking. Radon is far behind cigarettes as a cause of lung cancer, but it is now well known that smoking and Radon are “synergetic” risks…Radon increases the risk of smoking, and smoking increases the risk from Radon.

High levels of indoor Radon have been found in almost all of the states.  The local concentrations have some regional patterns, but they can be very capricious. Two neighboring homes can have very different Radon levels, which depend on defects in the underlying geology.

Radon was first recognized as a health hazard in the early 1980s.  It is now regarded by U.S Federal and state agencies to be the second-leading cause of lung disease, behind cigarette smoking.  Conventional wisdom now holds that Radon and smoking are related and correlated health risks.  Radon is a larger hazard in a smoke-filled room than in a clear-air room, and conversely, smoking is a bigger risk in a Radon-filled room than if Radon is not present.