Radon Action Month – Got Radon?

What is Radon Gas?

Radon was discovered by Friedrich Ernst Dorn in 1898. Radon is a chemical element with symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless & tasteless noble gas. It is formed as a result of the breakdown of Uranium, which occurs in soil and rock. According to the American Cancer Society Society, Radon gas breaks down into tiny radioactive elements that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, giving off radiation, which can damage lung cells and elevated levels lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. In fact, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right behind smoking and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms to alert you of your exposure. This is the reason why Radon Gas Testing is so important.

Where is Radon Gas Found?

Radon Gas occurs everywhere on earth, especially in rocky and mountainous areas. And has been found in every county of Tennessee, but the question is, How much is in your home? Testing for radon in the home is the only way of knowing if radon is present. (The Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing for radon in the home every two years.) Identified radon problems can be mitigated or repaired.

How Does Radon Gas Enter The Home?

Image from WHO

“Radon gases from soil and rocks seep into buildings through any openings or cracks in concrete ﬂoors and walls, gaps between ﬂoor and slab, and around drains and pipes, and small pores of hollow-block walls (fig.2). Consequently, radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and ground ﬂoors. Depending on a number of factors, the concentration of radon
indoors varies with the time of the year, from day to day, and from hour to hour.” from who.org

Radon Levels in TN Homes

1 in 5 homes in Tennessee tests high for radon!
November Tennessee Test Results Percentage of tests over 4 pCi/L: 30%
Highest test result: 45.4 pCi/L
For your lungs, a radon level of 40 in your home is equivalent to smoking 4 packs of cigarettes per day.

Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed January 2019 as Radon Action Month and encourages all Tennesseans to be aware of potential health risks of radon and to take easy steps to test for radon levels where they live. EPA advises that if the radon level detected in a home is between 2 and 4 pCI/L, steps should be taken to reduce it to below 2 pCi/L. EPA has established 4 pCi/L as an action level at which one should initiate measures to mitigate the amount of radon in the home. However, there is no safe level of radon. Are you building a new home? Learn about Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques here.

Where Can TN Residents Get A Free Radon Test Kit?

TDEC provides simple, do-it-yourself, radon test kits at no cost to citizens. “TDEC administers the Tennessee Radon Program through its Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices. Since 2008, TDEC has distributed more than 65,000 test kits. The Tennessee Radon Program is funded by the EPA State Indoor Radon Grant. The program offers a variety of other services and assistance to residents. Instructions are included with each Radon test kit. Due to the high volume of requests for radon test kits during National Radon Action Month, processing time for free radon test kits is approximately 4-6 weeks. Free Radon Test Kits For TN Residents

Watch Video on How To Perform the Radon Test