Iowa Iowa IAQ/Radon IAQ/Radon ProgramProgram

Rick Welke, Mgr. Rick Welke, Mgr.

Radon Program Radon Program 515-281-4928515-281-4928

rick.welke@idph.iowa.gov

www.idph.state.ia..us/eh/radon.aspus/eh/radon.asp

Why is Radon Dangerous to Your Health?Why is Radon Dangerous to Your Health?

It is the first leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

It is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall after smoking .

It is a Class A carcinogen.

• Radon is a radioactive gas left behind during the Glacial periods that comes from the spontaneous radioactive decay of uranium and radium that are naturally occurring and ubiquitously spread throughout the upper soil layer in Iowa.

• It cannot be detected by human senses– Colorless, Odorless, and Tasteless

• Inert gas (does not chemically react)

• No Static Electrical Charge

Radon’s Characteristics

Uranium 238Uranium 238Decay SeriesDecay SeriesRadium-226Radium-226

Thorium-230Thorium-230

Uranium-234Uranium-234

Protactinium-234Protactinium-234

Thorium-234Thorium-234

Uranium-238Uranium-238

Lead-206Lead-206(Stable)(Stable)

Polonium-210Polonium-210

Lead-210Lead-210

Polonium-214Polonium-214

Bismuth-214Bismuth-214

Lead-214Lead-214

Polonium-218Polonium-218

Radon-222Radon-222 Bismuth-210Bismuth-210

Radon Compared to Other RisksRadon Compared to Other Risks

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

DrunkDriving

HomeRadon

Drowning HomeFires

AirlineCrashes

Radon in the US homes causes about 22,000 lung cancer deaths per year - In Iowa, EPA estimates there are about 399 deaths annually from exposure to radon - more than

drownings home fires airline crashes

U.S. EPA Comparison of U.S. EPA Comparison of Environmental RisksEnvironmental Risks

Pesticide ApplicationsPesticide ApplicationsHazardous Waste SitesHazardous Waste SitesToxic Outdoor PollutantsToxic Outdoor PollutantsPesticide Residues on FoodPesticide Residues on FoodRADONRADON

1001001,1001,1002,0002,0006,0006,000

22,00022,000

AnnualAnnualCancer DeathsCancer Deaths

42

Sources of Radiation Exposure to Sources of Radiation Exposure to the U.S. Populationthe U.S. Population

Assumes average Assumes average indoor radon indoor radon concentration of 1.3concentration of 1.3pCipCi/L./L.

Radon is by far the Radon is by far the greatest single source greatest single source of radiation to the of radiation to the general public.general public.

IA/w 8.5 IA/w 8.5 pCipCi/L Avg./L Avg.

~ 75%~ 75%

RadonRadon55%55%

Medical XMedical X--RaysRays11%11%

OtherOther1%1%

InternalInternal11%11%

Nuclear MedicineNuclear Medicine4%4%

Consumer ProductsConsumer Products3%3%TerrestrialTerrestrial

8%8%

CosmicCosmic8%8%

WHY IS RADON AN WHY IS RADON AN IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE IN IOWA?IN IOWA?

“Iowa has the highest portion of homes with

elevated indoor radon in the U.S.”

“5 out of 7 homes test high”

Radon in Iowa HomesRadon in Iowa HomesJanuary 1988January 1988

LegendLegend Zone 1Zone 1 Zone 2Zone 2 Zone 3Zone 3

Radon Zone MapRadon Zone MapRadon Zone MapRadon Zone Map

Testing is the only way to Testing is the only way to know if you and your know if you and your family are at riskfamily are at risk

Residential Construction Team

Why Does Radon Get Into Your Why Does Radon Get Into Your Home?Home?

Radon is sucked indoors from the soilRadon is sucked indoors from the soil

What If My House Has?……..What If My House Has?…….. You cannot predict radon levels based on: Heating System Foundation Type Age of Structure Air-tightness Style of House Presence of sumps, cracks or other features You just have to test to find out!

•EPA and IDPH recommend you mitigate or fix a home when you find radon levels at or over 4 pCi/L.•Remember -- Radon levels can be reduced!!

Where do You Find A Radon Test Kit ?Where do You Find A Radon Test Kit ? Call 800/383-5992: ALA sells ST kits for $10

and LT kits for $25. Go to your County or City

EH or Public Health Office

(many sell ST kits for $5-10). Go to your local retail store

(many sell ST kits for $15-20). Do not buy from Menards/or retail selling Prolab

Google: Iowa Radon Program. Click on I feel lucky, and find the list of licensed

radon measurement specialists ($100-150; test results in 48 hours)

Homes With High Radon Homes With High Radon Concentrations Concentrations

Can Be RemediatedCan Be Remediated

Homes With High Radon Homes With High Radon Concentrations Concentrations

Can Be RemediatedCan Be Remediated

Active soil depressurization is a means of Active soil depressurization is a means of creating a vacuum beneath a slab or plastic creating a vacuum beneath a slab or plastic sheet and collecting the radon before it enters a sheet and collecting the radon before it enters a building.building.

THE END