This month has been designated as National Radon Action Month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency reported that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of approximately 20,000 Americans each year.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can typically move up through the ground into the air of homes and buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can even enter a building through running well water in high radon zones. Structures can trap radon inside where is accumulates over time and can be an issue in both new and old buildings with or without basements.
People cannot see, smell or taste radon, but if it is present indoors at high levels it can be a health concern. According to the EPA, nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Testing homes, schools, and other buildings for radon is important since breathing air containing high levels of radon over time can cause some people to develop lung cancer. Indoor testing is the only way to know if radon is a risk in a particular home or building.
To see if you are located in a high radon zone, please click the image below to see the EPA’s radon zone map. If your property is located in a high radon zone (generally Zone 1) and you are concerned about the potential for radon exposure, ECS would be happy to help you learn more about radon or other indoor air quality, environmental, and health and safety issues. It is important to point out however that even if your home or building is not in a high radon zone, elevated levels of radon can still be present, even in a zone (Zone 3) that is considered at low risk.
ECS has certified radon measurement professionals who can provide radon sampling services for all types of buildings. If elevated levels of radon are present, we can also help you select a contractor for the installation of a radon mitigation system in your building.
Please feel free to contact us for any of these services and we would be happy to discuss how we may be able to assist you.