What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is odorless and colorless that comes from rocks and soil.

Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium in the soil, rocks, and water.
Uranium breaks down to radium, and radium eventually decays into the gas radon.
Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
Radon is a gas and because it is less dense than soil it will move upwards and can accumulate in your home and buildings.
This can be a serious risk to people's health as radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer
Radon is a noble gas with the chemical symbol Rn and atomic number 86.

How does it get into homes and buildings?

Radon is gas, which allows it to move through the soil and into homes and buildings through the cracks and other openings in the foundation.

Within the home, radon gas becomes trapped causing it to build up and become a health risk.

Any home can have high radon levels, whether new or old, and in any condition.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in people who smoke.

Children and those who smoke are at even higher risk of developing lung cancer with radon exposure.

The likeness of developing lung cancer becomes higher with

longer periods of exposure and higher concentrations of radon.

Mitigation is the process of reducing radon concentration in homes and buildings.

The two common types of radon mitigation systems are:

Sub-slab suction

Takes radon from the home's foundation and vents it outside.

Drain tile suction

A pipe goes into the drain tile, and vents the radon outside.

There are other ways of mitigating radon in homes, however the method is decided based upon the home itself.

If you would like to know more about radon mitigation, and why what methods are selected click here

Radon levels are usually measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L)
There is no known safe level of radon exposure, however the EPA recommends that if a level is over 4 pCi/L in a building for the building to be mitigated
The EPA estimates that one in fifteen homes has over four pCi/L
One in three home in Missouri have high radon levels according Missouri's DHSS

There are two types of at home test you can do: short-term, long-term, and professional testing.

Short-term: Remains in the home for 3-7 days and is meant for quick results

Long-term: Remains in the home for over 90 days

Professional Testing: Certified radon testers can be hired for a more detailed analysis and
mitigation planning if needed.

Quick Tips For The Kit:

Place the device in the lowest level of your home
It is recommended that you place the device in the " breathing zone", or between 2-6 feet off the ground and two feet below the ceiling
Follow the manufacturer direction exactly

Click here to get a free radon test kit from the Department of Health and Senior Services or look online or at a home improvement store

Get in contact with one of the two organization that are federally recognized for credentialing radon professional:

Toll Free: (828) 348-0185

National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

Phone: (914) 345-1168
Email:info@NRSB.org