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Radon 101, the basics |
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Radon is a completely natural radioactive gas
emitted from the Earth. Some trace amounts of
Radon are present in every home in Illinois.
Radon is formed during the radioactive decay of uranium as
it is turned into lead over billions of years. Uranium
was most likely deposited in the upper Midwest
by glaciers during the last ice age.
As Radon leaves the ground outside it is quickly dissipated
and diluted into the atmosphere. When Radon comes up
under a home or building, it passes slowly through the
structure and becomes concentrated into higher levels
before eventually reaching the atmosphere.
Breathing higher concentrations greatly increase the
risk of radioactive alpha particles damaging the
DNA in our lungs. This DNA damage makes radon
a proven Class A Carcinogen and can potentially
cause lung cancer in some individuals.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among
non-tobacco users. It also significantly increases the
potential cancer risk for smokers and those exposed to
secondary tobacco smoke.
According to the World Health Organization and
US EPA, “ There is no safe level of Radon.”
It is
agreed that most radon induced lung cancer occurs in
people living in homes with radon levels below today’s
mandatory “action levels” It is up to every homeowner to decide for yourselves
if a radon reduction system is appropriate
for your home and family.
A properly installed system can effectively reduce
radon levels in almost any home or building.
In Illinois, homes with levels of 4.0pCi/l or higher
are considered “Failing” and will need to be
fixed prior to being put on the market and sold.
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