Colorado Green Real Estate

Radon Gas Is The Number One Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared January as National Radon Action Month. The intention is not only to raise public awareness, but to help consumers learn about practical steps they can take to help mitigate potential concerns with radon gas in the home.

Radon gas is actually one component of the larger subject of indoor air quality. Prompted by the EPA’s declaration of January as National Radon Action Month I decided I’ll write a series of articles on indoor air quality with radon being the first in the series. As a Certified EcoBroker, I have studied this subject in some detail so I am looking forward to sharing what I have learned.

In this first article on radon, I will answer the basic questions: What is radon and why should I care? The article title gives it away, but here is a little more background on the subject. For additional information visit the EPA website.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas caused by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The main concern with radon in homes comes from radon in the soil beneath the home. The gas typically moves up and into homes and buildings through cracks and holes in the foundation and in the structure. The structure itself can then trap the gas and cause the density of radon gas in the indoor air of the home to rise.

The United States has one of the strictest recommended action levels of radon in the world. The unit of measurement is picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The amount of radiation given off by one gram of radium is one curie. The EPA recommends radon mitigation for measurements of 4 pCi/L or higher. It is important to recognize this is a recommendation and not a standard or a law.

It is left for consumers to decide how to respond to the recommendations. This is partly due to the fact that radon levels are unpredictable and can vary from one home to another. The levels can change at different times of the year or even different times of the day. With this in mind, there is one important fact to know about radon.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States for non-smokers. Every year, approximately 21,000 people die from lung cancer caused by radon. This is why the surgeon general has issued the warning that Radon Causes Lung Cancer.

In my next post on radon, I’ll discuss methods for testing for radon in the home.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Colorado eco-friendly homes, I can help. I am a Certified EcoBroker specializing in energy-efficient, environmental practices in real estate across the Front Range.

If you’re considering relocating to Denver Metro or Boulder County, I’d love to help you find your new home. Please feel free to call me at 720-771-5594 or visit my website at E3GreenHOMES.com

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