Radon 222

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Radon 222
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Topics of Discussion

• Characteristics of Radon 222
• Pathways of Exposure
• Measurement and Doses
• Population at Risk
• Comparison of populations at Risk
• Testing for Radon 222
• Radon Website

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Characteristics of Radon 222

• Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radioactive
  noble gas.
• Naturally occurring Radon 222 is formed in the
  238U decay chain.
• Has a long half-life 2.82 days.
• Emits alpha radiation, much like other alpha
  generating radiation sources, like plutonium.

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Hazards Associated with Radon 222

• Damage cells in the lungs.
• Disrupt DNA of lung cells.
• Lung Cancer is the main hazard.
• Risk to smokers is greater.
• All major health organizations (AMA, CDC,
  American Lung Association), agree radon causes
  thousands of preventable deaths a year.

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Pathways of Exposure

• Inhalation and Ingestion.
• The electrically charged atoms attach to dust
  particles.
• The dust is then inhaled in the lungs.

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Pathways of Exposure

• Pores or space in soil
• Cracks in geology
• Rocks and other building materials
• Utility Trenches
• Water drainage systems
• Flows from the soil into the outdoor air and in
  homes from movement of gases in the soil beneath
  homes.

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Measurement and Doses

• Measured in picocuries (pCi). One pCi equal to
  decay of approximately two radioactive atoms per
  minute.
• A 1,000 square foot house with 4 pCi/l of radon
  has nearly 2 million radon atoms decaying in it
  every minute.
• EPA not to exceed 4 pCi/L in home.

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Population at Risk

• Mine workers, radon testers, employees of natural
  caves, oil refinery works, power plant workers,
  utility tunnel workers.
• Everyone is at risk because the primary site of
  Radon 222 is the home.
• High levels found in every state.

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Comparison of Populations at Risk in U.S.

• Average Radon Test Result
• New York 4.1 pCi/l
• Maine 7.1 pCi/l
• Pennsylvania 10.2 pCi/l
• Texas 1.6 pCi/l

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Testing for Radon 222

• Passive Device Charcoal Test Kit.
• Collects radon gas atoms.
• Active Device Alpha Tracking Test Kit.
• Strip is marked every time it is hit.
• Both are easy to use and inexpensive.
• Call 800-SOS RADON to order a kit.

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Radon Testing Devices
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CLOSING

• Almost nothing will stop this gas from moving
  from the basement or other parts of the house if
  it makes its way into the basement in the first
  place.
• Test Your Home.
• Website for further information
• http//www.radon.com