The U.S. National Cancer Institute lists radon as the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. Patterns of radon risk vary across the U.S. Much of Southwest Virginia is at high risk for this colorless, odorless gas.
Radon is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon can also be found in water.
“We know enough about the risks and have affordable ways to test and mitigate radon that our efforts should be focused on raising awareness and preventing exposure,” Philip Agee, an assistant professor of building construction at Virginia Tech states.
Citing the U.S. National Institutes of Health estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 deaths in the country each year are radon-related, Agee has urged Virginias who have never had their home tested to be proactive.
“Consumers can buy short-term tests at hardware stores for about $15,” Agee remarks. “Long-term Internet-enabled monitoring solutions run between $100 to $200.”
Radon is found in soil and enters homes via cracks in building foundations, basements, crawlspaces, and other indoor places where air leaks out. This lowers the air pressure indoors and allows the higher-pressure gas from the soil to infiltrate.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains a map of radon risks for each county/city in the U.S. Unlike other states in the highest risk zones, Virginia does not require radon tests during real estate transactions.
“Homebuyers can have radon tests completed with the home inspection process for a fee,” Agee adds, estimating a cost of about $100 to $200 for a professional service.
Agee’s research has also found that weather can have an impact too. “Radon concentrations will increase in homes following heavy rainfall, and then concentrations decrease over 24 to 48 hours after the rain stops. ” Agee attributes this to more moisture in the soil, preventing radon from escaping to ambient conditions and instead finding a “path of least resistance” into buildings.
“We spend approximately 90 percent of our lives inside the built environment, so your indoor environment impacts your long-term health. If testing shows radon above acceptable levels, radon mitigation systems are used to reduce the risk of radon entering the home,” Agee concludes.
