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Radon Facts
- Radon is a radioactive gas and a class "A" carcinogen. There have been more scientific studies on radon and its effects than any other environmental carcinogen.
- The Surgeon General has stated that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Over 21,000 people a year die from lung cancer caused by breathing radon.
- Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels (4 pCi/L or more). Kansas City is estimated to have elevated radon levels in one out of every 3 to 4 homes making us a zone 1 area of the U.S.
Radon Potential
The EPA has evaluated the radon potential in the U.S. and developed these maps to assist national, state and local organizations assist building code officials. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location. These maps assign counties to one of three zones based on radon potential. Each zone reflects the average short-term radon measurement that can be expected in a building prior to installation of radon control devices. The Kansas City Metro area is a Zone 1 area.
ZONE 1 - Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L) (red)
ZONE 2 - Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/l) (orange)
ZONE 3 - Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L) (yellow)
Radon Solutions
- Radon can be detected with a simple test, use a national radon proficiency tester, and can be fixed through well established venting techniques.
- Always use a Certified mitigation contractor, always ask if they are certified, and recommend they use a continuous monitor that takes readings for 48 hours.
