Radon Gas – Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release)

More than 100 scientists from 30 countries have participated in the World Health Organization International Radon Project since 2005 which has lead to the publishing of the WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon this year. The book is a useful resource for concerned homeowners or anyone who wants to learn more about the toxic carcinogen known as radon.It outlines the years of research and the very conclusive findings that have triggered a push for stricter legislation and construction practices that will reduce the risk of indoor radon exposure to the general population. You can download a copy of the WHO Radon Handbook here: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241547673 …

The United Nations also broke new ground in the international fight on radon-induced lung cancer earlier this year when they released their acknowledgment of the radon problems throughout the world. ?They analyzed both residential studies as well as extrapolated data from underground miner studies to confirm the previously understated radon risk.? ?Their findings are documented in The U.N. Assessment for Radon in Homes and Workplaces: http://www.unscear.org/docs/reports/2006/09-81160_Report …

Radon is a serious issue and home owners need to have protection against this “deadly killer!”

You can read more about what others are doing to petition the EPA to have tougher regulations to dealing with Radon here.

Colorless, odorless but extremely dangerous: RADON GAS (Radon222 on the periodic chart) Unlike other environmental hazards such as hazardous waste or asbestos, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive hazard. The Surgeon General has stated that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking and that every house should be tested for radon gas. However, many people think that they are immune to having radon. They believe that if they don’t have rock ledge in their back yard or if they have a walkout basement or slab on grade house they won’t have a radon problem. Well, this is not true. Radon has been found in all types of houses and in every state in the USA (see E.P.A radon zone map). We have seen very high levels of radon in houses on Cape Cod, where as far as you can dig the soil is sand.

The bottom line is that every building should be tested for radon gas. This includes condominiums and apartments (on the first two floors). Also schools and office buildings should be tested for radon gas. The action level put out by the E.P.A. is that you should consider reducing radon levels above 4 picocurries per liter of air (pCi/L) this measurement is the amount of energy put out by radon in a specific volume of air. Even though 4 pCi/L is the action level for radon, studies have shown that even lower levels of radon over long term exposure can cause lung cancer. Because radon is radioactive it has a half life of 3.8 days. As radon breaks down from a gas the byproducts are the solids which float around in the air which you breathe. These solids release alpha radiation which is a large particle that can strike the lung cell and potentially mutate it. The solid particles releasing the alpha radiation are much more dangerous if they have dust or smoke particles to attach to (because they can get closer to the lung and potentially sit allowing for more time for the alpha particle to be released and do damage). For this reason people that are smokers or live or work in dusty environments with radon have a much greater chance of getting lung cancer.

Radon is heavier than air, yet it still gets into buildings because buildings naturally suck on the soil that is beneath them. As an element in the periodic table it is so small that it easily permeates concrete. A good analogy is radon coming through concrete is like a bowling ball being thrown through the Grand Canyon. Radon can also be found in well water. High radon levels in well water can allow for the gas to come out of the water as it enters your house. Each state has its own action level and they vary greatly. For example Maine has an action level of 20,000 pCi/L and Massachusetts has an action level of 10,000 pCi/L. The rule of thumb for how much radon will be contributed to the air from the water supply in an average house is 10,000 pCi/L will create 1 pCi/L in the air you breath. The E.P.A. has not set a national level for radon in water at this time. Any house with a well should be tested for radon in the water.

Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. You can do a radon test on your own by purchasing a radon testing kit which will include 2 vials or canisters. The E.P.A. recommends placing 2 vial/canisters 4.0 inches apart for at least 2 days. The reason for using two is that one will become a control for the other, this way you are testing the laboratories accuracy. If the results between the two are very different, chances are , the lab screwed up. All test kits come with instructions on how to place them. Make sure the laboratory is listed by the E.P.A. . This would be stated on the package or you can ask the laboratory to show proof of certification. You can also hire a radon testing professional to do the testing for you. You can consult your local E.P.A. to get a list of certified testers. For further information on the risks associated with radon and guidelines from the E.P.A. you can read the Citizens guide to radon at epa.gov