Radon Gas: A Silent, Deadly Air Pollutant

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and groundwater. It is produced by the radioactive decay of uranium and can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, building materials, and water sources. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specific tests. While radon quickly dilutes to harmless levels outdoors, it can accumulate in enclosed spaces such as homes, schools, and offices, posing a significant health risk. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of indoor radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, making it essential for individuals to take preventive measures and mitigate radon levels in their living and working environments.

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and water

It enters buildings through cracks, drains, and building materials, accumulating in enclosed spaces

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings through cracks, drains, and building materials, accumulating in enclosed spaces. It is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. It can also be found in water.

Radon can enter buildings through cracks in the floors, walls, or foundations, as well as through small openings for pipes, cables, or wires that are not fully sealed. It can also enter through building materials such as concrete, wallboard, and granite countertops, as well as water, especially from underground wells. Radon can also be released into the air during routine water use, such as showering or laundry.

Once indoors, radon can accumulate in enclosed spaces, such as basements and crawl spaces, due to the pressure-driven flow of gas, which arises because buildings are normally at a slight underpressure compared to the pressure under the building. Radon does not dilute as quickly indoors as it does outdoors, and it can become trapped. This results in higher concentrations of radon indoors compared to outdoors, which can pose a health risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that radon causes up to 15% of lung cancers worldwide, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is important to test for radon and take measures to reduce its levels in indoor spaces to mitigate the health risks associated with exposure.

There are several methods to reduce radon levels in buildings, such as active soil depressurization (ASD), which involves using a pipe and fan to suck radon gas out from under the building and release it outdoors. Another method is radon mitigation, which diverts radon gas from under the basement floor through a pipe to the outside. Sealing any cracks or openings in the building's foundation can also help prevent radon from entering.

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, with indoor exposure being particularly harmful

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and water. It is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it undetectable by human senses. It can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, floors, or walls, as well as gaps around pipes, cables, and drains. Radon can also be released into the air during routine water use, such as showering or laundry, in areas where water supplies come from wells or groundwater sources.

Indoor radon exposure is a significant concern due to the accumulation of radon in enclosed spaces. Radon levels tend to be higher indoors, especially in areas with minimal ventilation, such as basements and crawl spaces. The rate of exchange between indoor and outdoor air depends on factors such as building construction, ventilation habits, and airtightness. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or 150 Becquerel per cubic meter of air (Bq/m3) should be fixed, as these levels are considered unsafe.

The health risks associated with radon exposure have been recognized by various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Surgeon General. The WHO has launched an international radon project to increase awareness, collect data, and encourage action to reduce radon-related risks. Similarly, the U.S. Surgeon General has issued a health advisory, urging Americans to test their homes for radon levels and take remedial actions if necessary.

It is important to note that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, the risk of lung cancer is significantly higher for smokers exposed to radon. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid smoking and ensure proper ventilation and mitigation techniques to reduce radon levels in indoor spaces.

Radon levels can be reduced through soil depressurization, home pressurization, and sealing cracks

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and chemically inert radioactive gas that is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. It can enter buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation, gaps in construction, windows, drains, or spaces around cables and pipes. Radon can also dissolve and accumulate in groundwater sources, such as water pumps or drilled wells in uranium-rich geological areas.

Radon levels can be reduced through the following methods:

Soil Depressurization

A soil depressurization system draws radon-laden soil gas from beneath the foundation and exhausts it outside of the building. This system typically consists of a plastic pipe connected to the soil that is attached to a quiet, continuously operating fan that discharges the radon outdoors. This method does not require major changes to the home and can be installed by a qualified contractor.

Home Pressurization

Home pressurization involves manipulating indoor air pressure to prevent radon from entering the indoor environment. This can be achieved through the use of a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it outside. Increasing ventilation by opening windows and using fans and vents can also help circulate air and reduce radon levels.

Sealing Cracks

Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation is a basic part of most radon reduction approaches. This can be done using plaster, caulk, epoxy coatings, or other materials designed for this purpose. However, sealing cracks alone may not be sufficient to reduce radon levels, and it should be combined with other mitigation steps such as soil depressurization.

The World Health Organization and U.S. Surgeon General recommend