Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can be dangerous when humans are exposed to it. In fact, the Surgeon General warns that radon is currently the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. That being said, there are actually levels of radon that are known as safe and acceptable.
What is a safe level of radon
To put it simply, a safe level of radon gas is no radon gas. Radon gas is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has stated, “Any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer. The lower the levels of radon in your home, the lower your family’s risk of lung cancer.” The average person receives a higher dose of radiation from the radon levels in their home than their combined exposure to all other sources of radiation, including natural and man-made sources.
Depending on your geographical location, the level of radon you breathe can be as high as 0.75 pCi/L. The national average of outdoor radon levels is 0.4 pCi/L. Your risk of lung cancer substantially increases when your radon exposure increases. In fact, your risk of lung cancer increases 16% per 2.7 pCi/L increase in radon exposure.
What is an acceptable level of radon?
According to Radon Act 51 passed by Congress, the natural outdoor level of radon gas is the target radon level for indoor levels as well. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of all homes in the United States exceed this level. So, the U.S. EPA was tasked with setting practical guidelines and recommendations for that country. They then sent an action level of 4 pCi/L; at or above this level of radon, the EPA recommends you to take corrective measures to reduce your exposure to radon.
Local radon testing companies
Because radon is such a prevalent and dangerous gas, you should contact local radon testing companies to make sure your home is safe. It’s recommended that you test your home for radon several times a year because the levels can fluctuate for several different reasons. To accurate radon testing, give us a call today!
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