Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one indoor
air pollutant in the country.
Average outdoor concentration of Radon in Maine is 0.5 to 0.8 pCi/L
1 in 4 houses has a Radon problem in the country
1 in 3 will have a problem in Maine
The following is an updated chart of the lifetime risk of lung cancer death per person from radon exposure in homes (excerpted from the updated radon risk assessment):
| Radon Level (a) | Lifetime
Risk of Lung Cancer Death from Radon exposure in Homes (b) |
||
| pCi/L | Never Smoked |
Current Smokers (c) |
General Population |
| 20 | 3.6% | 26% | 11% |
| 10 | 1.8% | 15% | 5.6% |
| 8 | 1.5% | 12% | 4.5% |
| 4 | 0.73% | 6.2% | 2.3% |
| 2 | 0.37% | 3.2% | 1.2% |
| 1.25 | 0.23% | 2% | 0.73% |
| 0.4 | 0.07% | 0.64% | 0.23% |
| (a)
Assumes constant lifetime exposure in homes at these levels (b) Estimates are subject to uncertainties as discusses in Chapter VIII of the risk assessment (c) Note: BEIR VI did not specify excess relative risks for current smokers |
|||
Radon will dissolve in water as it attempts to escape the atmosphere.
The problem arises when you are running the water in your shower, dishwasher
or other water-using appliance. The Radon gas escapes from the water
quickly and becomes a pollutant in your home's air.
"What I like best about RadonCheck is the prompt delivery of testing kits and the very friendly service we receive." - Barb |
| Radon Testing Since 1985 | ©
RadonCheck, Inc 2006 |