What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the rocks and soil. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless, however, it is easily detected and measured.
Radon produces alpha radiation, which is the largest radioactive particle but has the least penetrating power. Our skin protects us from alpha particles, but the sensitive tissues of our lungs are vulnerable to damage from this type of radiation. This is why lung cancer is the leading type of cancer death in Utah, even though it has the lowest rate of smoking in the country. If you would like to see the alpha radiation from radon gas click below, and you will better understand why radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
How prevalent is radon in Utah?
Radon is measured in picocurries. The average outdoor radon level is 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA suggests that homeowners consider fixing their radon problem when levels of between 2 and 3.9 pCi/L are detected. The EPA recommends immediate corrective action with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L. This map shows the average radon levels by county. Because radon is consistently elevated throughout the state, most news outlets in Utah have reported on radon.
How does radon get in my house?
Warm air both rises and expands. As it does so, it creates positive air pressure in the the upper parts of a home, and negative pressure in the lower parts of your home. This is called "the stack effect," and it literally turns your house into a "straw" which sucks radon from the soil into your house.
Why should I test my house?
Because living in a house with radon is like being x-rayed every minute that you are in the house.
Dentists don't like giving more than 1 or 2 x-rays per year.
A house with a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L is the equivalent of receiving 200 chest x-rays per year.
What if my house has radon?
The principle behind successful radon remediation is quite simple. An effective radon system creates a vacuum beneath the slab of your house, which draws in the radon before it enters your house and exhausts it outside. A well designed system ensures negative pressure beneath 100% of the area in contact with soil.
You don't just want a fan and some pipe...you want negative pressure beneath your entire slab. DO NOT use a radon "professional" who cannot show you that 100% of your house is being treated.