What is Radon?

January was National Radon Action Month - but what is radon, and why should you take action?

Radon is an element, number 86 on the periodic table. Radon gas is the byproduct of decaying uranium - a naturally occurring, radioactive metal found all over the world. Central Pennsylvania has a particularly high concentration of uranium in the soil and bedrock beneath our state.

Uranium is widespread - trace amounts occur in rocks and even seawater. Uranium ore is mined worldwide - Khazakstan is the leading producer, followed by Canada and Australia. Even if there is not enough uranium in the bedrock beneath Pennsylvania to mine, there is enough to decay and cause concentrations of radon gas. As shown in the infographic above, Central Pennsylvania is at a particularly high risk for pCi/L levels considerably higher than the EPA requirement of 4 pCi/l or less.

As uranium decays, radon gas is released into the atmosphere. When large concentrations of uranium occur under houses, businesses, or schools, radon gas can seep into the basements and first floors of these structures, gathering like a cancerous cloud that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

According to the National Cancer Society, radon gas exposure can be linked to nearly 22,000 deaths annually from lung cancer - in fact, this is the first leading case of lung cancer in non smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.

Radon could be affecting your family’s health - give us a call to get tested today.