Another one of my many articles

1. Radon Gas the Hidden Hazard
Years ago, when I was growing up, we were unaware of a silent, unseen hazard now known as
radon gas. For us, a hazard would have been our reckless ride down steep terrain on an
American Flyer, traveling at break-neck speeds, with the final destination being a main street
where we dodged oncoming traffic.
Radon is a radioactive gas produced through the natural decaying process of uranium in rock,
soil and water. The Surgeon General has reported that this hidden hazard is the second leading
cause of lung cancer in this country; only smoking is responsible for more lung cancer deaths.
Radon is only detected through testing as it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled.
Radon gas is not confined to any particular region of the country; it is present all across the
United States. Generally, radon migrates up through the soil and into the air where it can easily
seep into cracks and crevices in a home’s foundation. Likewise, other openings such as gaps
around service pipes provide a point of entry. Once inside, the gas can become trapped within
the dwelling. The good news is, elevated levels of radon can be rectified fairly easily and
brought to acceptable levels. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA
recommends that indoor levels should not exceed 4.0 pCi/L.
There are several testing methods readily available: Short term devices such as charcoal liquid
vial, charcoal canister, continuous monitor, and long term device methods such as alpha track
and electrets ion chamber. Short term testing consists of a detector in place for two to 90 days,
while long term tests are in place for more than 90 days and thus are more likely to provide a
year-round average. Before beginning any radon testing, windows and exterior doors must
have been closed for a minimum of twelve hours (winter conditions). While fans which circulate
indoor air may be used without affecting the integrity of the test, devices which draw in outside
air cannot be operated during the testing period.
Testing kits should be placed in the lowest, lived-in level of the dwelling (not within a kitchen or
bathroom area) and set upon a surface at least 20 inches above the floor. The kit should be
protected from drafts, high heat, and humidity and not positioned close to an exterior wall.
Each kit contains directions for resealing the device(s) and mailing instructions to a laboratory
for analysis. Testing kits can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores,
ordered on-line, or visit www.epa.gov/radon for a list of qualified radon testing companies.
If results of an analysis demonstrate an elevated level of radon gas in a home, there are
multiple methods of mitigation. The most commonly used method is a vent pipe and fan
system with a monitor which is easily installed in most homes by certified radon contractors.
Mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. For a list of qualified, local mitigators
in the Greater Lowell area, please contact me at jean.mcgillick@nemoves.com.
Jean Kearney McGillick