Radon

Radon: A Study Guide

What is Radon?

• Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that poses health risks.

• It is a natural byproduct of uranium decay found in soil, rock, and water.

• It can accumulate in homes and buildings through cracks, holes, and gaps in the foundation.

Health Risks of Radon

• Leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

• Causes approximately 21,000 deaths per year in the U.S.

• Higher exposure risks for individuals who:

  • Live in lower levels of a home (basements, ground floors).

  • Work in buildings with poor ventilation and radon accumulation.

How Does Radon Enter a Home?

• Seeping through cracks and gaps in the foundation.

• Entering through holes in walls and floors.

• Moving into the home from soil and groundwater.

How to Test for Radon

• Use a radon test kit in the lowest lived-in level of the house.

• Leave the test kit in place for a specified period (as directed by the kit).

• Test results determine if action needs to be taken to reduce radon levels.

How to Reduce Radon Levels

1. Ventilation Systems

   • Install a vent pipe system and fan to direct radon outside.

   • Ensures continuous air circulation and prevents buildup.

2. Sealing Cracks and Gaps

   • Use sealants to block radon entry points in foundations, floors, and walls.

3. Location-Based Risk

   • Certain areas, such as Eastern Nebraska, are more prone to high radon levels.

   • Homes in valleys or lower elevations may have higher radon risks than homes on hills.

Key Measurement Unit

• Radon levels are measured in pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

• The EPA action level for radon is 4.0 pCi/L—homes above this should implement radon mitigation measures.

National Companies:

• SWAT Environmental: Established in 1988, SWAT Environmental is one of the largest radon mitigation companies in the United States, having installed hundreds of thousands of systems nationwide.
  swat-radon.com
  

• National Radon Defense: A network of radon mitigation professionals offering testing and mitigation services across the country.
  nationalradondefense.com
  

Local Companies in Omaha, Nebraska:

• Radon Defense Midwest: Based in Omaha, this company provides radon testing and mitigation services, as well as indoor air quality solutions.
  radonmidwest.com
  

• Omaha Radon Pros: With over 10 years of experience, they specialize in radon testing and mitigation in the Omaha area.
  omaharadonpros.com
  

Certifying Organizations:

• National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP): Offers certification for radon professionals and maintains a directory of certified service providers.
  epa.gov
  

• National Radon Safety Board (NRSB): Provides certification and accreditation for radon mitigation and measurement professionals.
  epa.gov
  

For a comprehensive list of licensed radon mitigation businesses in Nebraska, you can refer to the Nebraska Radon Program's directory.

dhhs.ne.gov

When selecting a radon mitigation company, it's essential to choose certified professionals to ensure effective and safe mitigation.