RADON IN OREGON
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in varying concentrations in most rock and soil. Humans can be exposed to radon gas as it migrates through soil into the air and concentrates in enclosed spaces.
Radon is dangerous!
It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. When smokers are exposed to radon, their risks are magnified. Radon gas is estimated to be linked to 3 percent to 14 percent of all lung cancers worldwide.
Northwest Oregon, including the Columbia Gorge and Willamette River Valley, tends to be the area of greatest known concern for radon exposure in Oregon.
The geology of much of eastern Oregon would suggest high risk, but, unfortunately, not enough radon testing has been done to know what the actual risk is in much of the state. The areas that are known to have high radon levels are also some of the more populated areas in Oregon, and should be of concern to all who are working to protect the health of Oregonians.
On average, 2,563 Oregonians develop lung and bronchial cancer every year with an average of 2,077 deaths per year due to these cancers.
Each of these cancer cases is estimated to cost between $36,000 and $48,000 for the first year’s medical treatment. Thus, the total cost in Oregon of lung cancer treatment within the first year of diagnosis attributable to radon exposure (14 percent) could be estimated between $13 million to $18 million.
how does a radon inspection work and how do I mitigate it if found?
Short term testing, as mandated by the EPA, requires 48 hours. An in depth report is included with a graphs indicating radon levels hour to hour as well as information to interpret these results.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to either retrofit an existing home or to build new homes using “Radon Resistant New Construction” (RRNC) techniques. Retrofitting an existing home with a mitigation system costs between $1000. and $2,500 per system. Mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon levels in the home, typically to levels below 2 pCi/L.