Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer.*

Major scientific organizations continue to believe that approximately 12% of lung cancers annually in the United States are attributable to radon.*

Radon in an indoor air environment is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.*

Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA has determined that abatement measures should be implemented if the Radon level is at or above 4.0 pCi/L.*

What exactly is Radon? (for the scientifically unchallenged)
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, a melting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and (depending on the source, there are between 20 and 25 isotopes of radon - 20 cited in the chemical summary, 25 listed in the table of isotopes); it is an extremely toxic, colorless gas; it can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid; it is derived from the radioactive decay of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography.

What exactly is Radon (for the rest of us)
Radon is a colorless odorless gas derived from Radium (a radioactive element) that seeps to the surface and in many cases gets into and stays in the interior air environment of a house.

Radon abatement is available and often times cost less than minor house projects. Radon levels can be reduced effectively and should not hinder a real estate transaction if properly installed. Abatement systems cost between $800 and $1500 and actually help sell a house. The system will draw out humidity of about 1-2 gallons a day. Once a system is installed, Radon levels should be re-tested by an independant Radon testing contractor.

*EPA website information

Allegany
Anne Arundel
Baltimore Co
Baltimore City
Calvert
Caroline
Carroll
Cecil
Charles
Dorchester
Frederick
Garrett
Harford
Howard
Kent
Montgomery
Prince Georges
Queen Annes
St Marys
Somerset
Talbot
Washington
Wicomico
Worcester

39%
28
32
14
47
05
51
27
1151
12
62
29
36
51
00
35
16
11
14
14
02
69
00
09