Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in soil, rock, and water. Radon can enter homes and buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation and can accumulate to high levels, posing health risks to occupants.
Characteristics of Radon:
- Radioactivity: Radon is a radioactive gas, meaning it emits radiation as it decays.
- Invisibility: It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized equipment.
- Source: Radon is formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.
Health Risks:
Exposure to high levels of radon over long periods can lead to serious health issues, primarily:
- Lung Cancer: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The risk increases significantly with prolonged exposure to high levels of radon, especially for smokers.
When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs. As these particles decay, they release radiation that can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer over time.
Radon in Homes and Buildings:
- Entry Points: Radon typically enters homes and buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, gaps around service pipes, construction joints, and cavities inside walls.
- Testing: The only way to detect radon is through testing. There are short-term and long-term radon test kits available for homeowners. Professional testing services are also available.
- Mitigation: If high levels of radon are detected, mitigation methods can reduce radon levels. Common mitigation techniques include improving ventilation, sealing entry points, and installing radon mitigation systems that vent radon gas outside.
Regulatory Guidelines:
Many countries have established guidelines and regulations for acceptable radon levels in indoor air. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels in homes if the radon concentration is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Preventive Measures:
- New Construction: Incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques can help prevent radon entry in new buildings.
- Regular Testing: Periodic radon testing is recommended, especially in areas known for high radon levels.
- Awareness and Education: Educating the public about radon risks and encouraging testing and mitigation can help reduce radon-related health issues.
Completed Project
A recent project that Applied Environmental completed for the US Navy involved radon surveys in 114 different structures. We provided design consultation services to mitigate elevated radon concentrations previously identified. The design effort included the development of a generic specification document to be used by the remediation contractor to provide individual building specific mitigation designs and the installation of effective radon mitigation systems within the buildings. This design project also included the review of building specific mitigation systems designed by the awarded contractor to determine whether they were appropriate and feasible for the building conditions observed.
The field survey conducted as part of the design effort included the identification of typical construction types and details for each building, and documenting potential radon entry points in each area where elevated radon concentrations were identified. Also noted during the pre-design survey was the presence of materials potentially containing asbestos, lead based paint, or other hazardous contaminants that could significantly impact the mitigation effort. Site survey work included the placement of Alpha Track radon detectors within the buildings identified in the contract. Blank samples and spiked samples were submitted for analysis, for a project total of 1,885 detectors.
The specification required the design and installation of either sub-slab depressurization (SSD) or sub-membrane depressurization (SMD), or a combination of these systems, to effectively reduce and maintain indoor radon concentrations below 4.0 pCi/L.
About Applied Environmental:
We are a Herndon, Virginia based Woman-owned, Small Business providing professional Environmental, Industrial Hygiene, Indoor Air Quality, Hazardous Material Assessments, and Abatement Air Monitoring services to both private sector and government clients since 1986. Applied Environmental provides environmental services throughout the nation. Our local clients are based in Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties.
