RADON (RN-222) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of Uranium-238 and most directly from Radium-226 in soil, rock and water. Radon gas is invisible and odorless. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of Alpha radiation. Alpha radiation is very destructive and can damage lung tissue and DNA - leading to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk.
Radon is classified as a Class A carcinogen - the same as tobacco smoke and tobacco products. It is considered a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality throughout the world.
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Any home may have a problem. Every home is different. Your radon level may be high, even if your neighbor's level is low.
The only way to know about your home is to test. Western Radon, LLC provides affordable testing services - see "Radon Testing" tab.
Radon can be reduced. There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system does not require major changes to your home. Certified radon contractors can design the best system for your home. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.
Lowering Radon levels to below 4.0 pCi/L is the mitigation goal.
Below are examples of pre- and post-mitigation radon levels for homes in and around Flagstaff, AZ.
Location Pre / Post-mitigation levels (pCi/L)
Lynn Dr., Coconino Estates 7.7 / 1.0 pCi/L N. Navajo Dr.
, Coconino Estates 7.0 / 1.1
W. Whipple Dr., Coconino Estates 18.0 / 2.2
W. Beal Dr., Coconino Estates 12.0 / 0.3 S. Jewel Dr., University Heights 24.0 / 1.6
Pinon Ovi, Kachina Village 5.5 / 1.0
Canyon Loop, Kachina Village 26.0 / 1.2 N. Colfax, Slayton Ranch 8.2 / 1.4
Western Radon, LLC is professionally trained in
residential radon testing and mitigation, and is certified by the National
Environmental Health Association and the National Radon Proficiency
Program. Call Western Radon at 928-607-1385.
For more information about Radon click on the following links:
