January is National Radon Action Month. This article will help you learn about and understand the radon hazard that exists in the Reno region. For more information, you can attend a free presentation during January at a branch of the Washoe County Library.
At high enough levels, radon in your Reno / Tahoe area home or place of business can be a serious health hazard. This is of particular concern during winter when houses are buttoned up against the chill for long periods of time. This article will help you learn about radon and outline various ways to deal with this cancer-causing agent.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Radon is produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil, and water. While it is found throughout the United States, radon is more prevalent is some areas, ours included. Radon that emerges into the atmosphere is dispersed and poses virtually no risk. However, when concentrated in homes and other buildings, radon can be a serious problem - it is widely thought to be a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. According to U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona (2005), "Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."How Prevalent is Radon in the Reno / Tahoe Region?
With our granitic soil, radon in the Reno / Lake Tahoe region is present in higher concentrations than many other areas. Our average is 2 to 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air), with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommending homes be repaired if the radon measurement falls in this range. Of course, what happens to be in your home or building depends on numerous factors, which is why a test for radon should be performed to assess the situation before attempting to fix a problem. Any home in the Reno / Lake Tahoe area should be suspect, but you can't tell without testing.A 2009 report by the California Geological Survey reported that about 40% of homes on the California side of Lake Tahoe have elevated radon levels. Another 2009 study, by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, found that nearly 60% of homes in Stateline, Glenbrook, and Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side have high radon levels.
How Does Radon Enter Homes?
As natural uranium in the ground decays, the resulting radon enters the atmosphere mainly through cracks and other weak points in the soil and rock structure. Every home and building built on or close to the ground is therefore subject to radon exposure. It can enter through cracks in slab foundations, from the soil beneath houses with crawl spaces, through gaps around pipes and electrical fixtures, and from cracks in walls. In some cases, well water brings this unwanted guest inside. Certain building materials, such as granite, may also emit radon.Testing Your Home for Radon
Testing is the only way to know if your home is radon risky. Below is a summary, but you can get complete details on radon testing in northern Nevada from Radon Measurement / Radon Testing, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Short-Term Testing - The place to start is with a short-term test (from 2 to 90 days). This should be done first so you quickly find out if there is a potential problem rather than waiting months for long-term test results, meanwhile being exposed to unhealthful radon levels. You can obtain free test kits from University of Nevada Cooperative Extension offices or by calling (888) 723-6610. To get a kit by mail, fill out the short-term test kit coupon and mail as directed. You'll have to pay the shipping fees. If your short-term test indicates elevated radon levels (between 2 and 4 pCi/L or higher), a long-term test is recommended.
Long-Term Testing - Long-term radon tests are run from 91 days to 12 months. These tests take into account seasonal variations and give homeowners a better picture of their overall exposure. If radon is indeed a problem, you should take steps to get it under control.
Hiring a Testing Service - A number of Nevada companies provide certified radon testing services. To find one near you, refer to the Nevada Radon Measurement Providers List. These providers are certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Radon Testing for Real Estate Transactions - If a radon test is in order, the Nevada Radon Education Program recommends using a professional testing service when buying real estate. It basically protects your interests by providing independent, third-party results from someone not involved in the transaction.
Fixing a Radon Problem in Your Home
The ideal fix is a radon mitigation system installed by a certified radon mitigation contractor. Help is also available for homeowners who want to tackle the job themselves. Every public library in Nevada has a copy of Protecting Your Home From Radon, a book specifically for the do-it-yourself set. To get your own copy for $25, contact the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Radon Education Program at (888) 723-6610).Detailed information about repairs to fix a radon problem are beyond the scope of this article. A good place to start is How to Fix a Radon Problem / Radon Mitigation by UNR Cooperative Extension. Another excellent source is Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension - Nevada Radon Education Program, KOLOTV.com, About.com websites.
