RADON
Radon More Information
Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers Alike.*
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.*
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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.
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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
MARYLAND HAS RADON.
Percentage of Radon tests with elevated levels by county
Allegany 39%
Anne Arundel 28%
Baltimore Co 32%
Baltimore City 14%
Calvert 47%
Caroline 05%
Carroll 51%
Cecil 27%
Charles 11%
Dorchester 12%
Frederick 62%
Garrett 29%
Harford 36%
Howard 51%
Kent 00%
Montgomery 35%
Prince Georges 16%
Queen Annes 11%
St Marys 14%
Somerset 14%
Talbot 02%
Washington 69%
Wicomico 00%
Worcester 09%
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