Radon
Radon
(Rn) is a gaseous radioactive element that occurs from the natural
breakdown of uranium in the soil and rocks.
It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
Radon becomes a risk indoors because as it continues to break
down, it emits atomic particles that upon entering the lungs can
alter the DNA and increase lung cancer risk.
In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in
the nation and is classified as a “Class A” carcinogen according to EPA.
Radon is not known to cause asthma or any other type of
respiratory distress. Radon can be tested and measured (in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air) and
there are estimated risks to health from the exposure depending on
the concentration. DHSS in conjunction with EPA recommends that if the concentration of radon is 4pCi/L or greater,
then remediation should be done to lower risks.
Smoking in conjunction with radon exposure greatly increases
the risk of cancer. See the risk chart.
For more information about radon see “A
Citizen’s Guide to Radon.”
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