Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium found in soil and rock. This invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas can seep into homes and other buildings through entry points. Radon is present in homes across Texas, making it an environmental health consideration for residents.
Understanding Radon in Texas
Radon gas forms as uranium breaks down in soils and rocks. It typically moves up through the ground and can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and floor drains. Once inside, radon can accumulate to elevated concentrations. While Texas generally exhibits lower average radon levels compared to some other states, elevated levels can still occur in homes across the state.
The concentration of radon indoors is influenced by geological factors, soil composition, and specific home construction details. Areas with higher uranium content in their underlying geology may contribute to increased radon production. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have identified regions with varying radon potential, but elevated levels have been detected in homes throughout Texas, regardless of location. This means that a home’s specific characteristics, like its foundation type and ventilation, are as significant as its geographical location in determining indoor radon levels.
Health Implications of Radon Exposure
Radon’s undetectable nature means it can accumulate to hazardous levels indoors without specific testing. The gas itself is not the primary health concern; rather, it’s the radioactive particles, known as radon progeny, that it decays into. When inhaled, these tiny radioactive particles can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they continue to decay and emit alpha radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and the DNA within them, potentially leading to mutations that may cause cancer.
Prolonged exposure to elevated radon concentrations increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon is recognized as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall, following cigarette smoking. The risk is particularly pronounced for smokers, as the combined exposure to radon and tobacco smoke creates a synergistic effect, escalating the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Testing for Radon in Your Home
Determining the radon level in a home relies on specialized testing. Several testing methods are available, including short-term and long-term test kits. Short-term tests provide quick results within 2 to 7 days and are useful for initial screening. Long-term tests, conducted for 90 days to a year, offer a more accurate representation of average radon levels by accounting for seasonal fluctuations.
Test kits should be placed in the lowest lived-in level, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and high humidity. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they reach or exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Testing is considered simple, affordable, and recommended for all homes, irrespective of their age, construction, or location within Texas.
Radon Mitigation Strategies
Once elevated radon levels are detected, strategies can be implemented to reduce them. The common and effective technique is active soil depressurization (ASD), also known as sub-slab depressurization. This method involves creating a vacuum beneath the building’s foundation using a fan and a system of pipes. The fan draws radon gas from the soil beneath the house and vents it safely outdoors, preventing its entry into the living space.
Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation is a part of most radon reduction approaches. While sealing alone is generally not sufficient to lower high radon levels, it enhances the effectiveness of depressurization systems by increasing the suction and preventing conditioned air from being drawn out of the home. Improving home ventilation through specialized systems can also help dilute indoor radon concentrations by exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air. For effective and long-term radon reduction, professional mitigation performed by certified radon professionals is recommended.