Wake County Environmental Services is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a nationwide campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure and to encourage them to take action to protect their homes and families. The County is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon.
A limited number of Radon Test Kits are available for free by calling 919-856-7400, and kits can also be purchased at local hardware/home improvement stores or directly from radon testing companies, many for less than $25.
The EPA has predicted Wake County to have moderate radon potential, with levels of 2 to 4 picocuries per liter of air (PiC/L). Radon levels in homes of 4 PiC/L or greater are considered to be a potential health risk to occupants. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but which can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings.
Scientists have long been concerned about the health risk of radon, but never before has there been such overwhelming proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.
"Because you can't see or smell radon, people tend to downplay the health effects," said Wake Environmental Health Supervisor Rick Wagoner, "but it can be dangerous to ignore the possibility that there might be a silent killer in their homes."
Wake County urges residents to take action by testing their homes for radon. For more information on radon, radon testing and mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction, call 919-856-7400. Information is also available at www.epa.gov/radon or the N.C. Radiation Protection Section's website, www.ncradon.org.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.
Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home, since that is where you spend most of your time.
Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon.
Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 piC/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in Wake County and many other counties across North Carolina. The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have evaluated the radon potential across the U.S and have assigned each of the counties in the U.S. to one of three zones based on radon potential. As indicated by the U.S. EPA Radon Zone Map, Wake County is considered a Zone 2 county, having moderate radon potential [from 2 to 4 picocuries (piC/L)].
To learn more about Radon and other Indoor Air topics:
If you have questions about radon or other indoor air quality issues, such as mold, mildew, lead and asthma triggers, please contact Rick Wagoner or Rebecca Robbins in the Wake County Indoor Air Quality Program at 919-856-7400.