Radon
is a naturally occurring gas which is a by-product of the break down
of Uranium in the earth. The health effects associated with radon are
documented. Radon decay products have been associated with lung
cancer. If you would like to see the EPA radon map which shows radon
regions in Ohio click here.
SURGEON GENERAL
HEALTH ADVISORY
"Indoor radon gas is a
national health problem. Radon causes thousands of deaths each year.
Millions of homes have elevated radon levels. Homes should be tested
for radon. When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be
corrected."
Scientists are more
certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing
substances.
|
RADON RISK IF YOU SMOKE |
|
Radon Level |
If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a
lifetime... |
The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to... |
WHAT TO DO:
Stop smoking and... |
| 20 pCi/L |
About 135 people could get lung
cancer |
100 times the risk of drowning |
Fix your home |
| 10 pCi/L |
About 71 people could get lung
cancer |
100 times the risk of dying in a
home fire |
Fix your home |
| 8 pCi/L |
About 57 people could get lung
cancer |
|
Fix your home |
| 4 pCi/L |
About 29 people could get lung
cancer |
100 times the risk of dying in an
airplane crash |
Fix your home |
| 2 pCi/L |
About 15 people could get lung
cancer |
2 times the risk of dying in a car
crash |
Consider fixing between 2 and 4
pCi/L |
| 1.3 pCi/L |
About 9 people could get lung
cancer |
(Average indoor radon level) |
(Reducing radon
evels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.) |
| 0.4 pCi/L |
About 3 people could get lung
cancer |
(Average outdoor radon level) |
| Note: If you are
a former smoker, your risk may be lower. |
|
RADON RISK IF YOU HAVE NEVER SMOKED |
|
Radon Level |
If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a
lifetime... |
The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to... |
WHAT TO DO: |
| 20 pCi/L |
About 8 people could get lung
cancer |
The risk of being killed in a
violent crime |
Fix your home |
| 10 pCi/L |
About 4 people could get lung
cancer |
|
Fix your home |
| 8 pCi/L |
About 3 people could get lung
cancer |
10 times the risk of dying in an
airplane crash |
Fix your home |
| 4 pCi/L |
About 2 people could get lung
cancer |
The risk of drowning |
Fix your home |
| 2 pCi/L |
About 1 person could get lung
cancer |
The risk of dying in a home fire |
Consider fixing between 2 and 4
pCi/L |
| 1.3 pCi/L |
Less than 1 person could get lung
cancer |
(Average indoor radon level) |
(Reducing radon levels
below
2 pCi/L is difficult.) |
| 0.4 pCi/L |
Less than 1 person could get lung
cancer |
(Average outdoor radon level) |
| Note: If you are
a former smoker, your risk may be higher. |
