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Most people don’t realize that the U.S.E.P.A. has said that exposure to high levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is formed during the decay of uranium that is found naturally in the soil. Radon moves easily through the soil or air and can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, basement walls and floors. Once radon enters the home the risk for inhalation exposure increases causing damage to lung tissue which may lead to lung cancer. Smoking greatly increases this risk. The U.S.E.P.A. action level for radon is 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The risk of developing lung cancer as 4.0 pCi/L is estimated at about 2 lung cancer deaths per 1,000 persons. The only way to know for sure if your home has a high level of radon is to conduct testing.
The U.S.E.P.A. estimates between 7,000 and 30,000 deaths a year are attributed to radon-induced lung cancer. The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety has identified Knox County as being a potential Radon Risk area. This rating indicates that there is a potential that homes within the county have a predicted average radon screening level, which exceeds recommended standards.
The Knox County Health Department has developed a radon education program, which can be presented to any community group that would be interested in learning more about radon health risks. The Knox County Health Department has radon home test kits available for a nominal fee.
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RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
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