The Environmental Protection Agency (EAP) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. Bill Field, MD, associate professor of occupational and environmental health/epidemiology with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and serves as the U.S. science representative to the World Health Organization's International Radon Project, talks about radon:
For those who are not familiar with radon, what is radon? What does it "look" like?
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that's produced from the radioactive breakdown of radium in the soil. And since most homes are not built radon resistant, radon tends to build up indoors to a much higher degree than what you would find outdoors.
Where is radon found?
Radon is found just about in every state, but some areas are known to have greatly elevated levels of radon. Iowa, for example, has the highest average radon concentrations in the United States.
Why is the concentration so high here in Iowa?
Iowa's radon concentrations are interesting. They're really a result of the glacial periods that occurred over 500,000 years ago, when the glaciers deposited, over Iowa, really finely crushed rock that originated in Canada. And these finely crushed rocks have now become our soil and they have a high potential then to make radon gas.
Does the EPA have a radon standard?
Not a standard per se, but the United States Environmental Protection Agency has what they call an action level or guideline that advises taking action if indoor radon concentrations exceed an average yearly concentration of four picocuries per liter.
What are some of the potential health risks associated with breathing radon gas over a long period of time?
Mainly lung cancer. As radon decays, it produces these very solid, very tiny particles that can be inhaled. And if inhaled, they undergo further decay and can damage sensitive lung tissue.
EPA estimates approximately 21,000 people die each year in the United States from breathing radon gas. In Iowa, the estimated number of lung cancers attributed to radon exposure is about 400. It represents one of our major environmental health risks in the state. In fact, large-scale studies that we perform here in Iowa and elsewhere have indicated that even at the EPA's action level, there's increased lung cancer risk.
Are all buildings susceptible to collecting radon gases?
The only way to know is to test. But in Iowa, in particular, I would say over half the homes exceed the EPA's action level of four picocuries per liter.
What steps can anyone take to determine if their home has radon?
The only way to really know is to test. Radon detectors are very inexpensive and can be purchased at most local hardware stores or from the Iowa Air Coalition who has their main office at the Linn County Health Department. A list of certified radon testers is also available from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
If high levels of radon are found, how does the homeowner fix the problem?
Fortunately, there are really reliable methods to reduce radon concentrations, such as installing a system that will vent the radon gas from underneath the basement of a home before it has a chance to enter, and these systems cost about $1,200.
But the cost may vary depending on how hard it is to vent the radon. Fortunately for some folks, the cost of radon reduction or mitigation is a covered expense under most health care spending accounts. A list of certified mitigators is also available from the Iowa Department of Public Health, as well.
When the home has been treated/repaired, should homeowners retest their homes?
Yes, it's worthwhile to repeat testing every few years. Sometimes changes do take place under the foundation of the home that can affect it, or else changes in heating and ventilation can affect radon concentrations. Really, to find out more information on radon, more than what we can really talk about this morning, listeners can call 800-SOS-RADON (800-767-72366) for more information.
We mentioned that you're the Science Representative to the World Health Organization's International Radon Project; tell us a little bit about that project and what the goals are.
The project was initiated by the World Health Organization in 2005. We've had many meetings since that time and our aims really are trying to estimate the global burden. We know the burden in the United States is about 21,000, but to estimate the global burden of radon-related lung disease.
We want to provide guidance to member countries on radon measurement and reduction techniques; develop evidence-based guidance for member countries to help them establish their own action levels; and provide guidance to member countries regarding the optimal approach of risk communication. |
