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WHAT IS RADON? |
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Radon is a naturally
occurring radioactive
gas. It is continuously
produced in the soil by
the radioactive decay of
trace amounts of radium,
which is found in all
soil. Unless disturbed
by an outside force, the
radon gas remains in the
soil and rapidly decays
into polonium, a solid
element that remains in
the soil and is of no
health concern. However,
the stack effect (the
tendency of air to rise
in homes) causes a
slight vacuum in the
lowest level, which
draws the radon from the
soil into the home.
The normal outdoor radon
level is about 0.4
picoCuries per liter (pCi/L),
but because of the stack
effect, the average
nationwide indoor level
is about 1.3 pC/L. The
EPA has established 4.0
pCi/L (more than of 3
times normal) as the
action level, the level
at which action should
be taken to reduce the
indoor radon level.
Several published health
studies demonstrate that
when residential radon
levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L,
the incidence of lung
cancer is increased. The
increases become even
more significant at
higher radon levels.
Nationwide, radon
accounts for about
14,000 lung cancer
deaths every year making
it the second leading
cause of lung cancer.
The EPA estimates that
only 6.7% of American
homes have elevated
radon levels (at or
above 4.0 pCi/L. However
studies by the American
Lung Association of
Eastern Missouri have
revealed that about 20%
of St. Louis area homes
have elevated radon
levels. This is about
the same as the findings
of the Missouri
Department Health/EPA
study of 1987/88, which
found elevated radon in
18% and 19% of Missouri
homes.) |
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