Our Safety Training Tips editor says that while the dangers of radon gas may be a safety problem primarily in the home environment, it’s something your workers should be trained on.
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. Although most people don’t know it, radon kills many thousands of Americans every year. And what they generally die of is lung cancer. Where does this deadly gas come from? Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. From there it gets into the air, and then it’s inhaled.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon can be found all over the country and can get into any type of building—homes, offices, and schools. But most people get the greatest exposure at home. Worse news: It’s estimated that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels. Typically, radon moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Then it gets trapped inside where it can build up.
The only way to know if a home has a radon problem is to test. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. There are many kinds of low-cost do-it-yourself radon test kits available online, in hardware stores, and in other retail outlets. If you prefer, you can hire a qualified tester to do the job for you. But before you hire anyone, EPA suggests you contact your state radon office and obtain a list of qualified testers.
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Radon problems can be fixed. Radon reduction systems are both effective and affordable. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in a home by up to 99 percent. There are several proven methods to reduce radon, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a “soil suction radon reduction system,” doesn’t require major changes to the home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Similar systems can also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors can use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.
Why It Matters…
- The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (Smoking is the first).
- Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for any cancer.
- Radon claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year, but exposure to radon is a preventable health risk.
- January as National Radon Action Month.