Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It is odorless, colorless and chemically inactive, a natural product of the disintegration of uranium. Radon usually does not present a health risk outdoors because it is diluted in the open air. Radon can, however, build up to dangerous levels inside a house.
Every January is Radon Action Month!
The Environmental Health Division of Richland Public Health wants county residents to take advantage of “National Radon Action Month” and test their homes for the presence of radon gas.
How to get a Free and/or Discounted Radon Test Kit
Health Department Encourages Testing of Homes for Radon Gas Presence.
Radon Facts
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It is odorless, colorless and chemically inactive, a natural product of the disintegration of uranium. Radon usually does not present a health risk outdoors because it is diluted in the open air. Radon can, however, build up to dangerous levels inside a house. One out of every 15 homes is estimated to have high radon levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking) in the United States, causing more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually. Joe Harrod, Director of Environmental Health at the Richland Public Health, says the home testing kits are the best way for a home owner to find out if he/she has a problem and take steps to control exposure at home if necessary.
“If a reading of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air or higher (the EPA suggested action level) is indicated by the initial short term test, we recommend a second, longer term test to properly evaluate the extent of the problem.” Harrod said. “In most cases the control measures are reasonably inexpensive such as improving air circulation, sealing of cracks in basement floors or walls, and venting of sumps.” The initial screening test takes 3-7 days to run and results are reported within 5-7 days of sample submission.
Radon and Indoor Air Quality
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