Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and can accumulate in homes, potentially causing lung cancer. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is produced from the radioactive decay of uranium in soil and rock and enters homes through cracks and gaps in foundations. Testing involves measuring radon levels over a minimum of 48 hours using various devices. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, mitigation such as sealing entry points and installing sub-slab depressurization systems is recommended to reduce radon levels.

1. Tom Yeager Owner/Certified Inspector NEHA Radon Measurement Cert. # 104169 RT 303-464-9090 www.tyeagerinspects.com

2. Radon A Practical Guide To Radon Detection and Remediation

3. Purpose & Disclaimer Purpose Provide BASIC information related to radon definition, detection and remediation Disclaimer Not intended to be all-inclusive or to be used for decision making purposes. Please refer to the “ Additional Resources ” slide for more information.

4. What Is Radon? a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert. Radon atoms are direct descendents from uranium. When atoms of uranium-238 decay, they produce several generations of other radioactive elements. The fifth generation is radium, which in turn decays into radon.

6. What Is Radon? Radon breaks down into decay products Decay products can be inhaled and have electrostatic charges causing them to sick to lung tissue Further decay releases particles that can damage lung tissue

9. Where is Radon Found? Though great concentrations of uranium are rare, traces of it are common in ordinary rock and soil throughout much of the United States. Zone Maps

11. Where is Radon Found? Concentrations vary greatly from place to place depending on the underlying geology. (houses next door to each other) CDPH&E – “four out of 10 Colorado homes have the potential for having radon concentrations in excess of EPA guidelines”

12. How Does Radon Invade Homes? Radon is a gas, which means it is very mobile. It is also a single atom, therefore small. It can get into a home via cracks, gaps and openings in floors and walls . Negative pressure in the home or pressures in the underlying soil

14. What Are The Health Effects? According to the EPA: Estimated to cause about 21,000 deaths per year Second leading cause of lung cancer More deaths than drunk driving Non-smoker, 4 pCi/L over lifetime = 7 out of 1000 could get lung cancer

17. Health Factors Your chances of contracting lung cancer from radon exposure increase based on three factors, which are: The level of radon in your home How much time you spent in the home Whether you are a smoker/former smoker or non-smoker

19. Radon Measurement Radon is measured in Pico curies (pCi), which is the rate of radioactive decay of radon. Four Pico curies per liter of air (4 pCi/L) is the EPA’s recommended action level, whereby steps should be taken to reduce the amount of radon present in the home. Average outdoor radon levels are 0.4pCi/L

20. Real Estate Radon Testing Easy and quite reliable Performed in the lowest level suitable for occupancy Placement according to EPA Standards Closed House Conditions (Compliance Doc. & Door Hangers)

23. Real Estate Testing Sequential Integrating Devices Simultaneous Integrating Devices (4 inches apart) Continuous Monitors (hourly readings) 48 hour minimum test time

26. Devices Activated Charcoal Electret Ion Chamber Electret Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit Continuous Working Level Monitors Continuous Radon Monitors

27. Radon Mitigation Mitigation is recommended if the reading is above 4pCi/L. Mitigation involves: Sealing radon entry points (never by itself) Active Soil Depressurization Slab based piping Exhaust fan Exterior piping

30. Additional Resources Environmental Protection Agency epa.gov Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/radon/index.htm www.tyeagerinspects.com