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Healthy Buildings, Healthy People

Radon (Rn) IN THE NEWS!

Get Ready for National Radon ActionMonth!

U.S. EPA headquarters and theNational Cooperative Partners (whichis comprised of national, state and localgovernments, non-profit organizationsand educational institutions) arecommitted to several National RadonAction Month (NRAM) activities againthis year. The action with the mostimpact is taken at the local level andbegins with local affiliates making realprogress toward reducing radon risks inAmerican homes. Find out more...[www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/rnactionmonth.html]

National Radon Action Month isJanuary 1 - 31, 2003

Guía del Radon para el Comprador yVendedor de Viviedas

El presente folleto está destinado a todapersona que esté en proceso decomprar o vender una vivienda, a losprofesionales de bienes raíces ytraslados, a los inspectores deviviendas y a otras personas. Vaya a laSección 8.c.1, en este supervínculo,para conseguir información sobre comoobtener uno o varios ejemplares de estaGuía.

RADON TOPICS

Frequently AskedQuestions

Radon Publications

Radon Hotlines

Myths and Facts

Radon ResultsReport

Radon Risk Chart

Radon Links

EPA Map of RadonZones (RadonPotential Maps byState)

Radon and RealEstate

Radon in Water

Radon ResistantNew Construction(RRNC)

BEIR VI Report onRadon

How to find aqualified radonservice professional

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - Radon

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Si está interesado en imprimir estefolleto, llame al (202) 564-9427 dondeobtendrá más información sobre cómoobtener un CD.Rom (AdobePageMaker 6.5 para Windows). Este esel número de documento de EPA402-K-02-001, julio de 2002. Además,puede obtenerse aquí una versión enAdobe Acrobat pdf de la Guía:hmbuyguidsp.pdf (dimensión delarchivo 620K)

National Radon Results - 1985-1999

Since the mid-1980s the United Stateshas made significant progress inreducing the risk from exposure toradon. This progress is the result of along-term effort between EPA,citizens, non-profit organizations, stateand local governments, the businesscommunity, and other Federal agenciesworking together. More adultAmericans are knowledgeable aboutradon than at any time since themid-1980s, when radon became aNational health concern.Approximately two-thirds (66%) ofAmericans are generally aware ofradon, and of those, three-quarters(75%, on average) understand thatradon is a health hazard. Since themid-1980s, about 18 million homeshave been tested for radon and about500,000 of them have been mitigated.Approximately 1.8 million new homeshave been built with radon-resistantfeatures since 1990. EPA will continueto focus its efforts, and those of itspartners, on achieving actual riskreduction through the mitigation ofexisting homes and the building of newhomes to be radon-resistant. EPA’sestimates of risk reduction arepredicated upon mitigation systemsbeing properly installed, operated andmaintained. As a result of these actions

Radon ActionMonth

Radon PublicServiceAnnouncement(PSA)/TV Ad

If you have furtherquestions about

Radon, please callyour State Radon

Contact or the

National RadonInformation Line

at:1-800-SOS-RADON[1 (800) 767-7236],

or (if you havetested your home) The Radon FIX-IT

Program at:1-800-644-6999 or

via the web at: www.radonfixit.org

To get a discountedRadon Test Kit

EPA's RadiationProtection Program



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbuyguidsp.pdf



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/rnpsa.html




http://www.epa.gov/iaq/contacts.html


http://www.radonfixit.org/

http://www.nsc.org/ehc/radon/coupon.htm


http://www.epa.gov/radiation/

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/

to reduce radon levels in homesthrough 1999, EPA estimates thatapproximately 350 future lung cancerdeaths will be prevented each year.This annual rate is expected to rise asradon levels are lowered in more newand existing homes. Download theAdobe Acrobat PDF version of thereport (radonresults85-99.pdf a 3.5MBfile).

ASTM International "Standard Practice forRadon Mitigation Systems in ExistingLow-Rise Residential Buildings" (E 2121-01,March 2001)

On January 10, 2001, ASTMInternational (Formerly known as theAmerican Society for Testing andMaterials) approved the StandardPractice for Radon Mitigation Systemsin Existing Low-Rise ResidentialBuildings (E 2121-01, March 2001), asa voluntary standard of practice. EPA'sIndoor Environments Division's RadonProgram is proposing to incorporate E2121-01 by reference into its "RadonMitigation Standards". Read the draftpolicy statement (available here as adownloadable Adobe Acrobat PDF file- policyastm_2.pdf a 157 KB file). EPA is soliciting the views of itsRegional Offices, the state radonprograms, and those of severalorganizations, including theConference of Radiation ControlProgram Directors (CRCPD), theNational Environmental HealthAssociation's (NEHA) National RadonProficiency Program, the NationalRadon Safety Board (NRSB), theAmerican Association of RadonScientists and Technologists (AARST),and the Regional Radon TrainingCenters (RRTCs). To facilitate theirreview or EPA's proposal, the Agencyhas prepared a discussion paper, which



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/images/policyastm_2.pdf

is available here as a downloadableAdobe Acrobat PDF file(astmdiscussion.pdf a 290KB file). Ifyou have any questions about thisreview process, please contact PhilipJalbert at (202) 564-9431.

State Environmental Departments with IAQ and Radon Contacts | Regional IAQand Radon Coordinators | Regional Training Centers

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/images/astmdiscussion.pdf

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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Frequent Questions

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EPA Map of Radon Zones

Radon and Real Estate

Radon in Water

Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC)

BEIR VI Report on Radon

Find a Radon Service Professional

Radon Action Month

Radon Public Service Announcement (PSA)

Frequent Questions

For information and Frequent Questions for other Indoor AirTopics, see:

Indoor Air | Asthma | Radon | Schools | Smoke-free Homes| Mold Resources

DefinitionSources of RadonWhat are the Health Effects From Exposure to Radon?What is the Average Level of Radon Found in a Home?What's the debate on radon?How do we know radon is a carcinogen?Does the Auvinen Finnish Study Prove that Residential Radon Does Not Cause Lung Cancer?Why does it take so many cases to make residential radon epidemiology (EPI) studies meaningful?Why are residential EPI studies of radon so complicated?Are there any residential EPI studies finding increased risk of lung cancer due to radon?When will we know for sure about Radon's Health Risk?What is the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) doing now?What is meta-analysis, and does the Lubin/Boice meta-analysis prove that residential radon levels cause lungcancer?RE: the meta-analysis - What has changed?RE: the meta-analysis - How does this affect EPA's risk assessment?Radon HotlineFinding a "Qualified" Radon Service Professional

Definition

Indoor Air - Radon - Frequently Asked Questions

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Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, amelting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and (depending on the source, there are between 20 and 25isotopes of radon - 20 cited in the chemical summary, 25 listed in the table of isotopes); it is an extremely toxic,colorless gas; it can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid; it is derived from theradioactive decay of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography.(From the word radium, the substance from which it is derived.) Sources: Condensed Chemical Dictionary, andHandbook of Chemistry and Physics, 69th ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1988.

EPA's Integrated Risk Information System profile on Radon 222 [CASRN 14859-67-7] is locatedat: epa.gov/iris/subst/0275.htm

Sources of Radon

Earth and rock beneath home; well water; building materials.

What are the Health Effects From Exposure to Radon

No immediate symptoms. Estimated to contribute to between 7,000 and 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year.Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. The only health effect which has beendefinitively linked with radon exposure is lung cancer. Lung cancer would usually occur years (5-25) afterexposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure andthere is no evidence that children are at any greater risk of radon induced lung cancer than adults.

What is the Average Level of Radon Found in a Home?

Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuriesper liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.

What's the Debate on Radon?

There is no debate about radon being a lung carcinogen in humans. All major national and internationalorganizations that have examined the health risks of radon agree that it is a lung carcinogen. The scientificcommunity continues to conduct research to refine our understanding of the precise number of deaths attributableto radon. EPA and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have independently placed that number at about 15,000



http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0275.htm

lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

A few scientists have questioned whether low radon levels, such as those found in residences, increase the risk oflung cancer because some small studies of radon and lung cancer in residences have produced varied results.Some have shown a relationship between radon and lung cancer, some have not. However, the national andinternational scientific communities are in agreement that all of these residential studies have been too small toprovide conclusive information about radon health risks. All major scientific organizations continue to believethat approximately 10% of lung cancers in the United States -- or about 15,000 lung cancer deaths annually -- areattributable to radon.

How do we know radon is a carcinogen?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Department of Health and Human Services, as well as EPA,have classified radon as a "Class A" known human carcinogen, because of the wealth of biological andepidemiological evidence and data showing the connection between exposure to radon and lung cancer in humans.

The World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences and other scientific organizations agree thatstudies of the miners are the best scientific information for estimating radon health risks in homes. TheLubin/Boice meta-analysis paper also concludes that the miners studies are the best data source for analyzingresidential radon risk. Based on the miner data, NCI has previously estimated that 15,000 people die of lungcancer from residential radon each year in the U.S.

There have been many studies conducted by many different organizations in many nations around the world toexamine the relationship of radon exposure and human lung cancer. The largest and most recent of these was aninternational study, led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which examined the data on 68,000 undergroundminers who were exposed to a wide range of radon levels. The studies of miners are very useful because thesubjects are humans, not rats, as in many cancer research studies. These miners are dying of lung cancer at 5 timesthe rate expected for the general population. Over many years scientists around the world have conductedexhaustive research to verify the cause-effect relationship between radon exposure and the observed increasedlung cancer deaths in these miners and to eliminate other possible causes.

In addition, there is an overlap between radon exposures received by miners who got lung cancer and theexposures people would receive over their lifetime in a home at EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L, i.e., there are nolarge extrapolations involved in estimating radon risks in homes.

Does the Auvinen Finnish Study Prove that Residential Radon Does Not Cause Lung Cancer?

No, the Finnish study by itself is too small with only 1055 subjects to provide any definitive proof. Scientists fromthe U.S. Public Health Service Agencies recently reviewed the radon risk assessment and the proliferation of



small residential epidemiological studies like the Finnish study. They concluded that residential epidemiologystudies would need a minimum of 10,000 to 30,000 lung cancer cases plus twice a many controls to adequatelyaddress this issue.

Clarification: The residential epidemiology study recently reported out of Finland, examined homes with lowradon levels; the median indoor radon level was 1.8 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.

Dr. Jonathan Samet, chairman of the National Academy of Sciences BEIR VI Committee, responded to theFinnish study stating, "...by itself, the study is too small in size and consequently without sufficient statisticalpower to characterize precisely the risk of lung cancer associated with indoor radon. Consequently, theconclusions of the article are overstated and the authors' judgment as to the implications of their findings, "Indoorradon exposure does not appear to be an important cause of lung cancer,"" is not supported by the evidencepresented."

Why does it take so many cases to make residential radon epidemiology studies meaningful?

To have a reasonable certainty in the conclusions, many thousands of cases are required to detect the increasedrisk of lung cancer due to radon. This is because the more things that cause a disease the harder it is to separateone cause from another, thus it takes many cases to pinpoint the risk from each separate cause. The U.S. PublicHealth Service radon experts estimate that 10,000 to 30,000 cases, and twice as many controls would be needed toconduct a definitive epidemiologic study of residential radon lung cancer risk. The residential studies conductedto date have all included between 50 and 1500 cases and thus have been too small to provide conclusiveinformation.

Some years ago this same process was used to detect an increased risk of lung cancer due to cigarette smoking. Ittook many years of study to make the positive link between the cause and effect of smoking and lung cancer.Most of the increased lung cancer risk is attributable to smoking through mathematical modeling. The researchprocess for smoking was very laborious. However, radon's process is even more challenging because radon'scontribution to increased lung cancer risk (10%) is difficult to see against the large background of lung cancer dueto other causes, which include smoking, asbestos, some heavy metals and other types of radiation; i.e., detectingradon-related lung cancer is like trying to detect a 10% increase of sand on a beach already full of sand.

Finally, it is difficult to accurately determine radon exposures in residential settings since we are estimating pastexposures from current measurements. The number of required study participants increases with the difficulty indetermining the exposure.

Why are residential epidemiology studies of radon so complicated?

There are many factors that must be considered when designing a residential radon epidemiology study. It is very



expensive and often impossible to design a study that takes all the pertinent factors into consideration. Thesefactors include:

Mobility: people move a lot over their lifetime; it is virtually impossible to go back and test every homewhere an individual has lived;

●

Housing Stock Changes: over time, older homes are often destroyed or remodeled, thus radonmeasurements will be non-existent or highly varied; a home's radon level may change, higher or lower, overtime if new ventilation systems are installed, the occupancy patterns are substantially different, or thehome's foundation shifts or cracks appear.

●

Inaccurate Histories: often a majority of the lung cancer cases (individuals) being studied are deceased ortoo sick to be interviewed by researchers. This requires reliance on second-hand information which may notbe as accurate. These inaccuracies primarily affect:Residence History: a child or other relative may not be aware of all residences occupied by the patient -particularly if the occupancy is distant in time or of relatively short duration. Even if the surrogaterespondent is aware of a residence they may not have enough additional information to allow researchers tolocate the home.Smoking History: smoking history historically has reliability problems. Individuals may under-estimatethe amount they smoke. Conversely, relatives or friends may over-estimate smoking history.

●

Other: complicating factors other than variations in smoking habits include an individual's: genetics,lifestyle, exposure to other carcinogens, and home heating, venting and air conditioning preferences.

●

Are there any residential epidemiology studies finding increased risk of lung cancer due to radon?

Yes, several residential epidemiology studies have found an increased risk of lung cancer due to residentialexposures (i.e. Sweden, New Jersey ) These studies are also just pieces of a much bigger puzzle that is being puttogether.

When will we know for sure about radon's health risk?

We already have a wealth of scientific data on the relationship between radon exposure and the development oflung cancer. The scientific experts agree that the occupational miner data is a very solid base from which toestimate a risk range of 7,000-30,000 lung cancer deaths annually. While residential radon epidemiology studieswill improve what we know about radon, they will not supersede the occupational data. EPA is funding efforts bythe NAS. Health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Surgeon General, the American LungAssociation, the American Medical Association, and others agree that we know enough now to recommend radontesting and to encourage public action when levels are above 4 pCi/L. The most comprehensive of these efforts isthe National Academy of Science's Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VI) Report. As in the case ofcigarette smoking, it would probably take many years and rigorous scientific research to produce the composite



data needed to make an even more definitive conclusion.

What is the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) doing now?

The NAS has prepared its latest analysis of health research on radon, the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation(BEIR VI) Report. This is the most comprehensive review effort to date. The Committee was charged with:

reviewing all current miner and residential data, as well as all existing cellular-biological data,●

comparing the dose per unit exposure effects of radon in mines and homes, and●

examining:- interactions between radon exposure and smoking, and- any exposure-rate effect (alteration of effect by intensity of exposure).

●

What is meta-analysis, and does the Lubin/Boice meta-analysis prove that residential radon levels causelung cancer?

Meta-analysis is a statistical attempt to analyze the results of several different studies to assess the presence orabsence of a trend or to summarize results. Lubin and Boice conclude that the results of their meta-analysis areconsistent with the current miner-based estimates of lung cancer risk from radon which place the number ofradon-related deaths at approximately 15,000 per year in the United States.

Because meta-analysis has several inherent limitations (such as the inability to adequately explore the consistencyof results within and between studies and to control for confounding factors) meta-analysis is NOT able toPROVE that residential radon causes lung cancer, but it does provide additional GOOD SUGGESTIVEEVIDENCE. It is one more link in the "chain of evidence" connecting residential radon exposure to increasedlung cancer risk.

Since the investigators performing a meta-analysis do not have access to the raw data on the individual studysubjects, the analysis is based on the published relative risks and confidence intervals of the individual studies.Frequently, the impact of each study is weighted based on some factor which the meta-analysis authors feel isrelevant to the reliability of each study's data. In the Lubin/Boice meta-analysis, the results of each individualstudy were weighted so that each study contributed in relation to the precision (relative lack of random orsampling errors) of its estimate.

The Lubin/Boice meta-analysis paper cites 5,000-15,000 lung cancer cases required for a singlecase-control study to have sufficient power to detect an exposure-response equal to that expected fromminer studies. EPA has maintained that Public Health Service investigators claim 10,000-30,000 cases



would be required.What has changed?

EPA asked Dr. Lubin this question. He indicated that nothing had changed, that the "science" of sample sizeestimation was something of a "black box," and that the number of cases required probably should be higher thanthe 5,000-15,000 cited in the paper.

Relating to the Meta-Analysis - No "inverse exposure-rate effect" was noted.Does this indicate that the residential exposure effects are substantially different from those seen in theminers?How does this affect EPA's risk assessment?

An exposure-rate effect is the alteration of an effect by intensity of an exposure. An inverse exposure-rate effectwould be the enhancement of an effect as the intensity of the exposure decreases (i.e., low-level chronic exposureswould be riskier than high-level more acute exposures). An "inverse exposure-rate effect" was observed in theminer data. This means that for miners who received the same exposure, those that received it over a longer periodof time had a greater risk of lung cancer. The "inverse exposure-rate effect" diminished in miners exposed below50-100 WLM.

The finding that the "inverse exposure-rate effect" does not seem to apply in residential situations will not changeEPA's risk assessment since EPA had not included the "inverse exposure-rate effect" in their latest risk estimate(1992). Since the effect was noted in 1994, EPA has indicated that IF the "inverse exposure-rate effect" was foundto apply in residential situations, EPA's risk estimates would understate the risk. Since the effect does not seem toapply in residential situations, EPA's risk estimates remain valid.

If you have further questions about Radon, please call your State Radon Contact or the National Radon Information Line at:

1-800-SOS-RADON[1 (800) 767-7236]

or (if you have tested your home)The Radon FIX-IT Program at:

1-800-644-6999 or www.radonfixit.org

To get a discounted Radon Test Kit , go to the National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center

If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test or mitigate your home, or you need to






http://www.radongas.org/

http://www.nsc.org/ehc/radon.htm


purchase a radon measurement device, you should:

Contact your State Radon Contact to determine what are, or whether there are, requirements associated withproviding radon measurement and or radon mitigations/reductions in your State. Some States maintain listsof contractors available in their state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own.

1.

Contact one or both of the two privately-run Radon Proficiency Program (listed here alphabetically) whoare offering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation.

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)National Radon Proficiency ProgramAdministrative OfficeP.O. Box 210924 Cardinal Ridge RoadFletcher, NC 28732Toll Free: (800) 269-4174 or (828) 890-4117Fax: (828) 890-4161http://www.radongas.org/ e-mail: [email protected]

The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) P.O. Box 703Athens, TX 75751Toll Free: (866) 329-3474Fax: (903) 675-3748http://www.nrsb.org e-mail: [email protected]

(Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark,manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, orfavoring by the United States Government.)

2.

EPA's Position on These Two Privately-run Programs

State Environmental Departments, including Radon and IAQ Coordinators | Regional Radon and

IAQ Coordinators | Regional Training Centers








http://www.nrsb.org/



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/proficiency_criteria.html





http://www.epa.gov/



Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Publications

Frequently Asked Questions

Publications

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Radon Results Report

Risk Chart

Links



Radon in Water




Radon Action Month


Radon-Specific Publications

Additional resources on Asthma, Secondhand Smoke, Schools, LargeBuildings and Homes can be found at our Indoor Air Publications site. For information on how to order any of these documents - clickhere.

National Radon Results - 1985-1999

Since the mid-1980s the United States has made significant progressin reducing the risk from exposure to radon. This progress is theresult of a long-term effort between EPA, citizens, non-profitorganizations, state and local governments, the business community,and other Federal agencies working together. More adult Americansare knowledgeable about radon than at any time since themid-1980s, when radon became a National health concern.Approximately two-thirds (66%) of Americans are generally awareof radon, and of those, three-quarters (75%, on average) understandthat radon is a health hazard. Since the mid-1980s, about 18 millionhomes have been tested for radon and about 500,000 of them havebeen mitigated. Approximately 1.8 million new homes have beenbuilt with radon-resistant features since 1990. EPA will continue tofocus its efforts, and those of its partners, on achieving actual riskreduction through the mitigation of existing homes and the buildingof new homes to be radon-resistant. EPA’s estimates of riskreduction are predicated upon mitigation systems being properlyinstalled, operated and maintained. As a result of these actions toreduce radon levels in homes through 1999, EPA estimates thatapproximately 350 future lung cancer deaths will be prevented eachyear. This annual rate is expected to rise as radon levels are loweredin more new and existing homes. Download the Adobe AcrobatPDF version of the report (radonresults85-99.pdf a 3.5MB file).

Radon Publications -

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A Citizen's Guide to Radon (fourth edition)The guide to protecting yourself and yourfamily from radon.

This recently revised guidance offersstrategies for testing your home for radon anddiscussions of what steps to take after youhave tested, discussions of the risk of radonand radon myths. EPA Document Number402-K02-006, Revised May 2002.

Also, an Adobe Acrobat pdf version of theGuide is also available herecitizensguide4.pdf.

ElRadónguíapara suproteccióny la desufamilia

Estefolletoeslaversiónenespañoldelapopularguía“Guíapara……” fuedesarrolladoporlaCoaliciónNacionalde



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html


http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citizensguide4.pdf

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OrganizacionesHispanasdeServicios(COSSMHO)paralaAgenciaparalaProtecciónAmbientaldelosEstadosUnidos.Llameasu oficinaestataldeRadónparaobtenerunacopiadeestaguía(todaslasoficinasestatalesdeRadónestándisponiblesparacontestarsusllamadasypreguntaseninglés).Documento



delaagenciaEPAnúmero402-K-93-005,septiembrede1993.

Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide toRadon

This booklet is intended for anyone who isbuying or selling a home, real estate andrelocation professionals, home inspectors andothers. Go to this hyperlink Section 8.c.1. forinformation on obtaining single or multiplecopies of the Guide. If you're interested in printing this booklet,call (202) 564-9427 for more information onhow to obtain a free CD-Rom (AdobePageMaker 6.5 for Windows version of theGuide). EPA Document Number402-K-00-008, July 2000.

Also, an Adobe Acrobat pdf version of theGuide is also available here hmbuygud.pdf(1.789K file size).

Guía delRadon paraelCompradory Vendedorde Viviedas402-K-02-001,Julio de 2002

El presentefolleto está destinado atoda persona que esté enproceso de comprar ovender una vivienda, a losprofesionales de bienesraíces y traslados, a losinspectores de viviendas y



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html



http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html#8.c.1.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbuygud.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbyguidsp.html







a otras personas. Vaya ala Sección 8.c.1, en estesupervínculo, paraconseguir informaciónsobre como obtener uno ovarios ejemplares de estaGuía.

Si está interesado enimprimir este folleto,llame al (202) 564-9427donde obtendrá másinformación sobre cómoobtener un CD.Rom (AdobePageMaker 6.5 paraWindows). Este es elnúmero de documento de EPA402-K-02-001, julio de2002.

Además, puede obtenerseaquí una versión en AdobeAcrobat pdf de la Guía:hmbuyguidsp.pdf (dimensióndel archivo 620K)

Consumer's Guide to Radon ReductionHow to Reduce Radon Levels in YourHome...

This booklet is for people who have testedtheir home for radon and confirmed that theyhave elevated radon levels. EPA DocumentNumber 402-K-92-003.

Building Radon Out: A Step-by-StepGuide on How to BuildRadon-Resistant Homes

This 81-page, fully illustrated guide containsall the info you need in one place to educatehome builders about radon-resistant newconstruction (RRNC), including: Basicquestions and detailed answers about radonand RRNC; Specific planning steps beforeinstalling a system; Detailed installationinstructions with helpful illustrations; Tipsand tricks when installing a system,Marketing know-how when dealing withhomebuyers; and, Architectural drawings.



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This document is available here as a 8.3 MBAdobe Acrobat PDF file (buildradonout.pdf) -EPA Document Number 402-K-01-002,April 2001.

Model Standards and Techniques forControl of Radon in New ResidentialBuildings

This document is intended to serve as a modelfor use by the Model Code Organizations,States and other jurisdictions as they developand adopt building codes, appendices tocodes, or standards specifically applicable totheir unique local or regional radon controlrequirements. EPA Document Number402-R-94-009, March 1994.

Learning About Radon A Part Of Nature

Written for Native Americans, this 18-pagebooklet discusses radon's place in the world,the basics on testing, and how homes can befixed to reduce radon levels. NativeAmericans should contact their Tribal healthdepartment or state radon program office formore information. EPA Document Number402-K-02-002, February 2002. Copies can beordered from the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)Information Clearinghouse at1-800-438-4318.

Radon - A Physician's Guide: TheHealth Threat With A Simple Solution

This booklet on radon has been developed forphysicians by the EPA in consultation withthe American Medical Association (AMA).Its purpose is to enlist physicians in thenational effort to inform the American publicabout the serious health risk posed by indoorradon gas. EPA Document Number402-K-93-008, September 1993.





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A Radon Guide for Tenants

This guide, created by the EnvironmentalLaw Institute (ELI) with EPA's review, isfor people who rent their apartments orhouses. The guide explains what radon is, andhow to find out if there is a radon problem inyour home. The guide also talks about whatyou can do if there are high radon levels inyour home. EPA Document Number402-K-98-004.

Radon in Schools (Second Edition)

It is important that students, teachers andparents be aware that a potential radonproblem could exist in their school. EPADocument Number 402-F-94-009, October1994.

Radon Measurement in Schools (RevisedEdition)

This report has been prepared to provideschool administrators and facilities managerswith instructions on how to test for thepresence of radon. The findings from EPA'scomprehensive studies of radonmeasurements in schools have beenincorporated into these recommendations.This report supersedes Radon Measurementsin Schools - An Interim Report (EPA520/1-89-010). EPA Document Number402-R-92-014, July 1993.



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Radon Mitigation Standards

The purpose of the Radon MitigationStandards is to provide radon mitigationcontractors with uniform standards that willensure quality and effectiveness in the design,installation, and evaluation of radonmitigation systems in detached and attachedresidential buildings three stories or less inheight. These standards are intended to serveas a model set of requirements that can beadopted or modified by state and localjurisdictions to fulfill objectives of theirspecific radon contractor certification orlicensure programs. EPA Document Number402-R-93-078, October 1993 (Revised April1994)

Radon Prevention in the Design andConstruction of Schools and OtherLarge Buildings.

It is typically easier and much less expensiveto design and construct a new building withradon-resistant and/or easy-to-mitigatefeatures, than to add these features after thebuilding is completed and occupied. EPADocument Number 625-R-92-016, June1994.

Buying a New Home: How to ProtectYour Family From Radon

This introductory brochure provides basicinformation on radon-resistant construction innew homes and directs the reader to moredetailed information. EPA DocumentNumber 402-F-98-008, April 1998.



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Building a New Home: Have YouConsidered Radon?

This brochure is designed for consumers whoare purchasing newly constructed homes andare curious about radon-resistant features,builders who construct homes withradon-resistant features, and real estateprofessionals who are selling homes whichhave radon-resistant features. It can be usedas a marketing tool for the home buildingindustry. EPA Document Number402F-98-001, September 1998.

Reducing Radon in Schools: A TeamApproach.

This document will assist you in determiningthe best way to reduce elevated radon levelsfound in a school. It is designed to guide youthrough the process of confirming a radonproblem, selecting the best mitigationstrategy, and directing the efforts of amultidisciplinary team assembled to addresselevated radon levels in a way that willcontribute to the improvement of the overallindoor air quality of the school. EPADocument Number 402-R-94-008, April1994.

Reducing Radon Risks (the "Hold YourBreath" brochure)

EPA Document Number 520/1-89-027A,September 1992.



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Technical Support Document for the1992 Citizen's Guide to Radon

This document presents the wide range oftechnical analyses, radon risk communicationresearch, legislative directives, and otherinformation that the U.S. EPA used to shapethe policies that are set forth in the 1992 "ACitizen's Guide to Radon." The documentsummarizes extensive technical analyses ofthe data that have been gathered over the pastyears. EPA Document Number400-R-92-011, May 1992.

Indoor Radon and Radon DecayProduct Measurement DeviceProtocols

The objective of this document is to provideinformation, recommendations, andtechnological guidance for anyone providingmeasurement services using 15 radon andradon decay product measurement methods.These protocols provide method-specifictechnological guidance that can be used as thebasis for standard operating procedures. EPADocument Number 402-R-92-004, July1992.

Protocols for Radon and Radon DecayProduct Measurements in Homes

This document presents the U.S. EPA'stechnical guidance for measuring radonconcentrations in residences. It containsprotocols for measuring radon for the purposeof deciding on the need for remedial action, aspresented in the 1992 Citizen's Guide toRadon, and in the Home Buyer's and Seller'sGuide to Radon. EPA Document Number402-R-93-003, June 1993.



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How to Order These Documents

IAQ INFOP.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013-71331-800-438-4318/703-356-4020(fax) [email protected]

or, you can order these publications directly via EPA'sNational Service Center for EnvironmentalPublications (NSCEP) (http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/).web site. Your publication requests can also be mailed,called or faxed directly to:

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyNational Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)P.O. Box 42419Cincinnati, OH 424191-800-490-9198/(513) 489-8695 (fax)

If you have further questions about Radon, please call your StateRadon Contact or the National Radon Information Line at:

1-800-SOS-RADON[1 (800) 767-7236]


1-800-644-6999www.radonfixit.org

State Radon and IAQ Coordinators List | Regional IAQ and RadonCoordinators | Regional Training Centers





http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/








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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Hotlines and Resources


Publications

Hotlines

Myths and Facts

Risk Chart

Links



Radon in Water




Radon Action Month


Hotlines and Resources

National Radon Information LineRadon Fix-it LineIndoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality HotlineNational Radon Proficiency Programs

National Radon Information Hotline

(800) SOS-RADON[800-767-7236]

Information recording operates 24 hours a day

The Radon FIX-IT Program1-800-644-6999www.radonfixit.org

What is the "Radon Fix-it" Line?

The Consumer Federation of America Foundation, a nonprofit consumer organization, operates a RadonFix-it Program which is free of charge. The Radon Fix-it Line assists consumers with elevated radon levelsof 4 pCi/L or higher by providing information that will allow them to take the necessary steps toward fixingtheir homes. The Fix-it Line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers to the hotlinereceive information about (consumers with specific radon-related questions may leave a message to obtaina counselor call back):

reducing elevated radon levels●

referrals to technical experts in their State government●

addressing radon problems in connection with real estate transactions.●

The Consumer Federation of America Foundation was founded in 1972 as a private non-profitresearch and education organization. The focus of the organization is on conducting research projects,providing information to the public on consumer issues, and assisting States and local organizations.

Also, information on Radon and Radon Test Kits is available from the National Safety Council'sEnvironmental Health Center

Indoor Air QualityInformation Clearinghouse - IAQ INFO

You may call the toll-free number (800) 438-4318 to speak to an information specialist, Monday throughFriday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time. After hours, you may leave a voice message, or you maymake inquiries by fax [(703) 356-5386] or via e-mail: [email protected] anytime.

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Indoor Air Quality Information ClearinghouseIAQ INFOP.O. Box 37133Washington D.C. 20013-7133Direct line: (703) 356-4020

The IAQ INFO is an easily accessible, central source of information on indoor air quality, created andsupported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As concern about air pollution indoors hasgrown, so has the amount of information on this subject; but getting current, useful information can be achallenging task. The purpose of the IAQ INFO is to help you locate information to answer your questionsabout indoor air pollution. If you develop or distribute information on indoor air quality topics, pleasecontact IAQ INFO or place us on your mailing list.

The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline(NHIAQ Hotline)

1-800-SALUD-12[1-800-725-8312]

The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline provides bilingual (Spanish/English) information aboutindoor air pollutants that consumers may find inside their homes, offices or schools.

Consumers, health and human services professionals, outreach workers, and community leaders fromacross the United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico can call 1-800-SALUD-12 (1-800-725-8312), or,in Washington, DC, (202) 265-6388 to speak with a bilingual health information specialist (HIS) Mondaythrough Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time. After business hours, consumers may leave amessage and an HIS will return the call the next day during business hours.

What kind of information and services are available from the NHIAQ Hotline?

Technical information on indoor air pollutants, for example:health effects of indoor air pollution; sources of indoor air pollution; measurement/testing of radon inhomes; and, preventing exposure to indoor air pollutants.

●

Bilingual (English/Spanish) written information on indoor air quality, such as:Radon (Rn); Lead (Pb); Carbon Monoxide (CO); Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).

●

Provide radon test kits to consumers with bilingual test instructions; consumer follow-ups withbilingual explanation of test results; and, referrals to other sources if mitigation is recommended.

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Referrals to other similar hotlines; government agencies and resources; State Radon and Indoor AirQuality Coordinators; EPA Indoor Air Partners; EPA's Regional Radon and Indoor Air QualityCoordinators; and Hispanic community-based organizations.

●

Bibliography of indoor air quality materials in Spanish. This bibliography lists the name of thepublication; brief description of publication; publishing entity and a telephone number for obtainingcopies.

●

National Radon Proficiency Programs

If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test or mitigate your home, or you need topurchase a radon measurement device, you should:

Contact your State Radon Contact to determine what are, or whether there are, requirements associated withproviding radon measurement and or radon mitigations/reductions in your State. Some States maintain lists ofcontractors available in their state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own.

1.

Contact one or both of the two privately-run National Radon Proficiency Programs (listed here alphabetically)who are offering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation.

2.



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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Myths and Facts


Publications

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Risk Chart

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Radon in Water



How to Find a Qualified Radon Service Professional

Radon Action Month


Radon Myths and Facts [EnEspañol]

Scientists are not sure that radon is really a problemRadon testing devices are not reliable and are difficult tofindRadon testing is difficult and time-consumingHomes with radon problems cannot be fixedRadon affects only certain types of homesRadon is only a problem in certain parts of the countryA neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether yourhome has a radon problemEveryone should test his or her water for radonIt is difficult to sell a home where radon problems havebeen discoveredI have lived in my home for so long, it does not make senseto take action nowShort-term tests cannot be used for making a decision aboutwhether to reduce the home's high radon levels

MYTH: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precisenumber of deaths due to radon, all the major healthorganizations (like the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, the American Lung Association and theAmerican Medical Association) agree with estimates thatradon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deathsevery year. This is especially true among smokers, since therisk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.

MYTH: Radon testing devices are not reliable and are difficultto find.

FACT: Reliable radon tests are available from qualified

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radon testers and companies. Active radon devices cancontinuously gather and periodically record radon levels toreveal any unusual swings in the radon level during thetest. Reliable testing devices are also available by phone ormail-order, and can be purchased in hardware stores andother retail outlets. Call your state radon office for a list ofradon device companies that have met state requirements. See our radon proficiency page for information on how tofind a "qualified" radon service professional.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult and time-consuming.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your homeyourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Eitherapproach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems cannot be fixed.

FACT: There are solutions to radon problems in homes.Thousands of home owners have already lowered elevatedradon levels in their homes. Radon levels can be readilylowered for $800 to $2,500. Call your state radon office fora list of radon device companies that have met staterequirements. See our radon proficiency page forinformation on how to find a "qualified" radon serviceprofessional.

MYTH: Radon affects only certain types of homes.

FACT: Radon can be a problem in all types of homes,including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulatedhomes, homes with basements and homes withoutbasements. Local geology, construction materials, and howthe home was built are among the factors that can affectradon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of thecountry.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state.Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only wayto know the home's radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor's test result is a good indication ofwhether your home has a radon problem.

FACT: It is not. Radon levels vary from home to home.





The only way to know if your home has a radon problem isto test it.

MYTH: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT: While radon gets into some homes through thewater, it is important to first test the air in the home forradon. If your water comes from a public water system thatuses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radonlevels are found and the home has a private well, call theSafe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 forinformation on testing your water. Also, call your stateradon office for more information about radon in air.

MYTH: It is difficult to sell a home where radon problemshave been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home saleshave not been blocked. The added protection could be agood selling point.

MYTH: I have lived in my home for so long, it does not makesense to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when youreduce radon levels, even if you have lived with an elevatedradon level for a long time.

MYTH: Short-term tests cannot be used for making adecision about whether to reduce the home's high radonlevels.

FACT: Short-term tests can be used to decide whether toreduce the home's high radon levels. However, the closerthe short-term testing result is to 4 pCi/L, the less certaintythere is about whether the home's year-round average isabove or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levelsbelow 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that radon levels canbe reduced to 2 pCi/L or below in most homes.














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-1-

National Radon Results: 1985 to 1999Brian Gregory1

Philip P. Jalbert, U.S. EPA

Since the mid-1980s the United States has made significant progress in reducing the risk from exposure to radon.

This progress is the result of a long-term effort between EP A, citizens, non-profit organizations, state and local go vernments,

the business community, and other Federal agencies working together. More adult Americans are knowledgeable about radon

than at any time since the mid-1980s, when radon became a Nationa l health conce rn. Approximately two-thirds (66%) of

Americans are generally aware of radon, and of those three-quarte rs (75% , on averag e) understa nd that rado n is a health

hazard. Since the mid-1980s, about 18 million homes have been tested for radon and about 500,000 of them have been

mitigated. Appro ximately 1.8 million new homes have been built with radon-resistant features since 1990. EPA will continue

to focus its efforts, and those of its partners, on achieving actual risk reduction through the mitigation of existing homes and

the building of ne w homes to be rado n-resistant. EP A’s estimates of risk reduction are predicated upon mitigation systems

being properly installed, operated and maintained. As a result of these actions to reduce radon levels in homes through 1999,

EPA estimates that appro ximately 350 future lung canc er deaths will b e prevente d each yea r. This annual rate is expected

to rise as radon levels are lowered in more new and existing hom es.

A. INTRODUCTION

For more than 10 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has actively pursued a multi-faceted campaign to reduce the adverse effect on the health of Americans caused by exposure to radon in indoorair. This report presents recent findings and historic trends in radon-related activities. Measures of progress inthe EPA radon program presented in this report fall into four major categories:

1. How aware the general public is about radon,

2. The number of homes tested to determine the radon level,

3. The number of existing homes with elevated radon levels that have been mitigated, and

4. The number of homes built with radon-resistant new construction features.

B. RADON AWARENESS

Background. The EPA obtained data regarding the public’s awareness of the radon issues four times over theseven year period 1993-1999: in 1993, 1994, 1996, and 1999. These data were gathered through telephoneinterview surveys of randomly selected American adults. The first three of these surveys were conducted by acontractor for the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), under the terms of a cooperativeagreement with EPA (CRCPD Radon Survey; 1993, 1994, and 1996). The last survey was contracted directlyby the EPA to the Center for Survey Research and Analysis (CSRA), University of Connecticut (University ofConnecticut; 1999), using a refined methodology similar to that of the CRCPD surveys.

The EPA has defined knowledgeable awareness as more than simply having heard of radon. In additionto having heard of radon, a respondent must be able to identify that exposure to radon is a health hazard, and thatradon is a naturally-occurring, colorless, odorless gas. The following three questions were posed to a sample ofAmericans in each of the four surveys. They represent the components of knowledgeable awareness.

1. Are you aware of radon? [that is, have you ever heard of radon?]2. Is radon a health hazard? [yes or no]

National Radon Results: 1985 to 1999

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3. What is radon? [selected from a multiple-choice list]The following six bar graphs and discussion illustrate the survey responses to these questions.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3


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Discussion. In 1999, approximately 63% of respondents indicated that they were aware of radon. Of that group,88% said they were aware that radon poses a health hazard, and 64% were able to correctly identify radon’scharacteristics from a multiple-choice list. On average, about 68% of those surveyed between 1993-1999 wereaware of radon. However, as Figure 1 shows, after its 1994 peak the overall level of radon awareness hasdecreased somewhat. In part, this drop may be due to less media coverage of the radon issue in recent years.

The data in Figure 2 and Figure 3 show that among those aware of radon (Figure 1), understanding ofradon as a health hazard has remained steady or risen only slightly over time. Within this same group, knowledgeabout what radon is has also remained steady. Combined with other influences, these two factors havecontributed to a rising trend in the number of homes mitigated since the mid-1990's. Apparently, many peopleaware of radon’s risk are taking action. See endnote

2 for further details on Figure 1, 2 and 3.

C. RADON TESTING

Background. Radon testing activity is the most difficult of the four radon progress measures to track at thistime. This difficulty stems from the lack of a reliable and consistent sources of data at all geographic levels. Forexample, homeowners often cannot accurately recall when or if their home was tested. Also, a homeowner maynot know if a test was done before they purchased their home. In addition, most States don’t collect testinginformation or require companies to provide it. Furthermore, there is no Federal requirement for test companiesto report testing or related information.

Figure 4


-4-

As a result, an indicator3 composed of several sources has been developed as a tool for estimating thelevel of radon testing activity. Figure 4 shows the number of radon tests estimated to have been completed eachyear, from 1993 to 1999. These sources of data include the State of New Jersey’s mandatory reporting records;national data from several testing laboratories who helpfully provided their data voluntarily; data on radon testkit sales from the National Safety Council (NSC) and its affiliates; and data from the 1993, 1994, and 1996CRCPD national radon surveys. However, for the time period prior to 1993, the estimate is not composite based,but based solely on the 1993 CRCPD radon survey results.

Discussion. In 1999, an estimated 1.5 million homes were tested for radon. Prior to 1993, approximately 9million homes were tested for radon

4. According to the indexed estimates used to construct Figure 4, the trend

in radon testing has been rising since the mid-1990s. These data yield a conservative estimated total of nearly18 million homes that have been tested since the mid-1980s.

Since a large percentage of radon tests are associated with real estate transactions, the trend in the volumeof radon testing tends to follow the volume of real estate transactions. Although the testing rates rose steadilythrough most of the 1990s, the estimate does not seem to fully reflect the strong rise in the volume of real estatetransactions during 1999. It may be that in a particularly strong market (a seller’s market), prospective buyersdemand fewer contingencies, including requests to test for radon, and seller’s are less likely to agree to similarcontingencies.

D. MITIGATION of EXISTING HOMES

Background. Data on radon mitigation for 1994 to 1999 were obtained in cooperation with the three largestU.S. radon mitigation fan manufacturers, which account for the bulk of the vent fan market. These manufacturersclaim that the fans, a critical component for radon mitigation, have not to this point been used in significantnumbers for purposes other than radon mitigation.

Figure 5


-5-

Discussion. Approximately 500,000 homes that previously had elevated radon levels (i.e., 4 picocuries (pCi/L)or more), have been mitigated since the mid-1980s. In 1999, an estimated 52,000 homes were mitigated forelevated radon levels. Prior to 1993, approximately 245,000 homes with elevated radon levels were mitigated.Data for the years (1985-1992) prior to 1993 have been estimated based on the 1993 CRCPD radon survey.

As Figure 5 indicates, radon mitigations have increased steadily since 1994. The steady increase in therate of mitigation activity is a significant indicator of the Agency’s success in the past few years. The upwardtrend in mitigation activity is consistent with available State level data. For example, New Jersey recorded 2,042mitigations in 1992, and that number increased steadily over the years to 2,822 mitigations in 1999 for anincrease of nearly 40% over the 7-year period.

E. RADON-RESISTANT NEW CONSTRUCTION

Background. Each year the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducts a survey of itsmembership (National Association of Homebuilders; 2000 and prior years) to track the number of homes builtand to learn more about specific construction techniques and practices being used. One of those practices isRadon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC), about which the NAHB has collected information since 1990

5.

Figure 6 shows the annual number of homes estimated to have been built with RRNC features.

Figure 6

Discussion. The total number of homes built with RRNC features since 1990 is estimated to be 1.8 million.In 1999, approximately 183,000 (16%) of all new single-family detached homes built in the U.S. included RRNCfeatures. Also, about 33% of all new homes built in Zone 1 (High Radon Potential Areas) included radon-resistant features. Since 1990, an estimated 1.2 million homes in Zone 1 have been built radon-resistant.


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F. METHODOLOGY

The most recent national survey yielding information on testing and mitigation rates, was conducted bythe Center for Survey Research and Analysis (CSRA), Storrs, Connecticut. Respondents were interviewed bytelephone and selected using a random digit dialing (RDD) method. Up to four attempts were made perhousehold selected. The data from the 1,005 telephone interviews was weighted to be representative of nationalpopulation estimates for gender, education and age, i.e., a person over 18 within a household. These methods

were designed with a sampling error of ±3% at the 95% confidence level [see Reference (1)].

The earlier surveys conducted by Survey Communications Inc., queried a representative sample ofpersons over 18 (households only). For example, the 1996 survey included 45,000 adults; 30,500 in the baseand 14,500 in an over-sample for the high radon activity areas. Respondents were selected by random digitdialing (RDD) and interviewed by telephone during evening hours. The interview included 21 closed-endquestions, and averaged 5.5 minutes. The national survey was designed to a ±0.6% margin of error, and theover-sample had a ±0.8% margin of error at the 95% confidence level [see Reference (4)].

Information and data on the number of new U.S. homes built radon-resistant is derived primarily fromthe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center’s annual survey of its membership. Thenumber of U.S. homes built radon-resistant is extrapolated from a combination of the NAHB data and U.S.Census data, weighted for key factors, e.g., differences in survey results and Census Division new housing starts.

References.(1) Survey On Radon Awareness And Environmental Tobacco Smoke Issues, Center for Survey Research andAnalysis (CSRA), University of Connecticut (Storrs), 1999, 22 pages.(2) 1995-1999 Radon Testing (dbf) Data File, Key Technology, Inc., 4-November-1999.(3) 1995-1999 Radon Test Results (dbf) Data File, Radalink, 8-November-1999(4) CRCPD Radon Risk Communication and Results Study (1993, 1994, 1996), by Survey Communications, Inc.(SCI), for the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD).(5) Builder Practices Report: Radon Reducing Features in New Construction, National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB) Research Center, Inc. (similar titles exist for annual surveys).

Endnotes.1 When this paper was originally drafted, Mr. Gregory was a staff member in the Indoor Environments Division

(IED), Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA), Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, D.C. 20460 (Mr. Jalbert is a senior IED staff member). 2 For the answers to each of the questions Figure 1, 2 and 3 (above), the margin of error for the 1993, 1994, and

1996 surveys is ±0.6% at the 95% confidence level; the margin of error for the 1999 survey is ±3% at the 95% confidence level. Also, see also methodology (above).3 The index was composed primarily of radon testing data from the State of New Jersey’s mandatory reporting

records; National data from several testing laboratories that provided data voluntarily; National Safety Council (NSC) radon test kit sales data; and, CRCPD data from the 1993, 1994, and 1996 National radon surveys. However, for the time period prior to 1993, the estimate is based solely on CRCPD’s 1993 radon survey data.4 The margin of error for this question from the 1993 survey is about ±0.6% at the 95% confidence level.

5 Except for 1992, for which the data are estimated.

Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Risk Comparison Charts


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How to Find a Qualified Radon Service Professional

Radon Action Month


Radon Risk ComparisonCharts [En Español]

It's never too late to reduce your risk of lungcancer.

Don't wait to test and fix a radon problem.

If you are a smoker, stop smoking.

RADON RISK IF YOU SMOKE

RadonLevel

If 1,000 peoplewho smokedwere exposedto this levelover alifetime...

The risk ofcancer fromradon exposurecompares to...

WHAT TODO:Stop smokingand...

20 pCi/LAbout 135people couldget lung cancer

100 times therisk ofdrowning

Fix your home


100 times therisk of dying ina home fire

Fix your home


Fix your home


100 times therisk of dying inan airplanecrash

Fix your home


2 times the riskof dying in a carcrash

Consider fixingbetween 2 and 4pCi/L

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1.3 pCi/LAbout 9 peoplecould get lungcancer

(Average indoorradon level)

(Reducing radonlevels below 2pCi/L isdifficult.)

0.4 pCi/LAbout 3 peoplecould get lungcancer

(Averageoutdoor radonlevel)


Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.

RADON RISK IF YOU HAVE NEVER SMOKED

RadonLevel

If 1,000 peoplewho neversmoked wereexposed to thislevel over alifetime...

The risk ofcancer fromradon exposurecompares to...

WHAT TODO:

20 pCi/LAbout 8 peoplecould get lungcancer

The risk ofbeing killed in aviolent crime

Fix your home


Fix your home


10 times the riskof dying in anairplane crash

Fix your home


The risk ofdrowning

Fix your home

2 pCi/LAbout 1 personcould get lungcancer

The risk ofdying in a homefire

Consider fixingbetween 2 and 4pCi/L

1.3 pCi/LLess than 1person couldget lung cancer

(Average indoorradon level)


0.4 pCi/LLess than 1person couldget lung cancer

(Averageoutdoor radonlevel)


Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher.












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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Links


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Radon Links

Disclaimer: The documents on this server contain hypertext pointers to information created and maintained by other public and

private organizations. Please be aware that we do not control orguarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of thisoutside information. Further, the inclusion of pointers to particular itemsin hypertext is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intendedto endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by theauthor of the reference or the organization operating the server on whichthe reference is maintained.

For more subject-specific links, go to: epa.gov/iaq/moreinfo.html,epa.gov/iaq/asthma/links.html, or epa.gov/iaq/schools/links.html, or epa.gov/iaq/molds/resources.html.

National Safety CouncilConsumer Federation of America FoundationNational Association of CountiesAmerican Lung AssociationConference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc.(CRCPD)Environmental Law InstituteNational Environmental Health AssociationU.S. Department of AgricultureNational Radon Safety BoardNational Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Helpline/NationalAlliance for Hispanic Health

National Safety Council

Home page www.nsc.org/home.htm

Radon link www.nsc.org/ehc.htm Phone (630) 285-1121 (202) 293-2270 ext 469

"Prepare today for a safer tomorrow"

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http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/resources.html

http://www.nsc.org/home.htm

http://www.nsc.org/ehc.htm

"The National Safety Council, a nonprofit, public serviceorganization, conducts a variety of outreach and educationactivities on radiation. Its Web site has extensive radoninformation, including fact sheets, frequently askedquestions, reports, and other educational material."

Consumer Federation of America Foundation

Home page www.consumerfed.org Radon link www.consumerfed.org/backpage/radon.cfm

Phone (202) 387-6121

(CFAF) has provided consumers a well-reasoned andarticulate voice in decisions that affect their lives.

The Radon Fix-It Program, operated by ConsumerFederation of America Foundation, assists consumers whohave tested and found elevated levels of radon in theirhomes. This information service provides consumers withadvice and information about the steps they need to take toprotect their families from radon. Information can beautomatically mailed upon request, or callers can request areturn call from the Information Specialist at a specific time.The Radon Fix-It Program can be reached 24 hours a day, 7days a week, at 1-800-644-6999, or online atwww.radonfixit.org/ .

National Association of Counties

Home page www.naco.org Radon linkwww.naco.org/programs/environ/pollution/radon.cfm

Phone (202) 942-4235

"Counties care for America"

The main goal of NACo's Indoor Air project is to heightencounty officials' awareness of indoor air pollutants as publichealth threats and to provide materials and technicalassistance for risk reduction activities. Such air pollutantsinclude radon, asthma triggers, environmental tobaccosmoke and children, and carbon monoxide.

American Lung Association



http://www.consumerfed.org/

http://www.consumerfed.org/backpage/radon.cfm


http://www.naco.org/

http://www.naco.org/programs/environ/pollution/radon.cfm

Home page www.lungusa.org

Radon link www.lungusa.org/air/envradon.html Phone (202) 785-3355 Washington, DC(212) 315-8700 NY

"When you can’t breath, nothing else matters"

The American Lung Association (ALA) is the oldestvoluntary health organization in the United States. ALA isdedicated to fighting lung disease in all forms, with aspecial emphasis on environmental health. For the pastdecade, ALA has partnered with U.S. EPA to provideeducation on radon. ALA and its affiliates offer variouspublic education and outreach programs and materials topromote radon testing and remediation. For moreinformation, go to ALA's website atwww.lungusa.org/air/envradon.html

Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc.

(CRCPD)

Environmental Law Institute

Home page www.eli.org Radon link None specified. Easy to follow links to RadonpagePhone (202) 939-3800

"To advance environmental protection by improving law,policy, and management."

National Environmental Health Association

NEHA National Radon Proficiency Program

Home page: http://www.radongas.org/

Administrative OfficeP.O. Box 210924 Cardinal Ridge RoadFletcher, NC 28732Toll Free: (800) 269-4174 or (828) 890-4117Fax: (828) 890-4161e-mail: [email protected]

The National Environmental Health Association has awell-earned reputation of credentialing environmental



http://www.lungusa.org/

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http://www.lungusa.org/air/envradon.html

http://www.crcpd.org/Radon_Main.asp

http://www.crcpd.org/Radon_Main.asp

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health professionals since 1937. NEHA has been involvedwith the radon issue for a number of years, offering trainingin Radon Resistant New Construction to professionalsaround the country. NEHA currently has over 5,000members in virtually all counties within the U.S. and areoften local health officials. This network can assist in effortsof grassroots outreach and enhance the value of thecredential on a local level. Combined with cooperativeefforts from national real estate, home inspection, andbuilding associations the NEHA NRPP will strengthen andgrow. Once certified you will be listed on the Internet with adirect link to your email and/or homepage address; receiveany NEHA NRPP newsletters; have the opportunity toparticipate in local committees and outreach efforts; be keptinformed of educational programs and conferences; and berecognized as a professional.

United States Department of Agriculture – USDA

Home page www.usda.gov

Radon site www.montana.edu/wwwcxair/

National Radon Safety Board

Home page www.nrsb.org/ P.O. Box 703Athens, TX 75751Toll Free: (866) 329-3474Fax: (903) 675-3748(914) 345-8862 (fax)e-mail: [email protected]

"Consumers can easily search for Radon Measurement andMitigation Professionals and Radon Laboratories in theirarea by name, city, state or zip code. More detailedinformation about certified radon professionals, such asservices offered, devices used and areas serviced, may beavailable by clicking on the hyperlink to their NRSB WebPage. Information about the certification process, includingapplications, education requirements, approved trainingcourses, exam guidance, and a listing of all approvedMeasurement and Mitigation courses (Initial Training andContinuing Education) are posted to the website. TheNRSB also links to other valuable radon resources such as:EPA publications, state radon offices, regional EPA offices,AARST and the Consumer Federation of America"



http://www.usda.gov/

http://www.montana.edu/wwwcxair/



National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Helpline/NationalAlliance for Hispanic Health

Homepage www.hispanichealth.org Phone 1-800-725-8312 (1-800-SALUD-12) (202) 387-5000

The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Helpline providesbilingual (Spanish/English) information about indoor airpollutants that consumers may find inside their homes,offices, or schools. Consumers can call this helpline toreceive information about radon and a coupon for a radonhome test for the purpose of mitigating radon contaminationof indoor air. The NHIAQ Helpline is a program of theNational Alliance for Hispanic Health. The mission of theAlliance is to improve the health and well-being of allHispanics in the United States.

Other information on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is available by contactingyour state or Regional EPA office, or by calling IAQ INFO at1-800-438-4318.






http://www.hispanichealth.org/



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Indoor Air - Radon

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Radon Action Month



MAP DEVELOPMENT:

The Map was developed using five factors to determine radon potential: indoorradon measurements; geology; aerial radioactivity; soil permeability; and,foundation type. Radon potential assessment is based on geologic provinces.Radon Index Matrix is the quantitative assessment of radon potential. ConfidenceIndex Matrix shows the quantity and quality of the data used to assess radonpotential. Geologic Provinces were adapted to county boundaries for the Map ofRadon Zones.

Sections 307 and 309 of the Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988 (IRAA) directedEPA to list and identify areas of the U.S. with the potential for elevated indoorradon levels. EPA's Map of Radon Zones assigns each of the 3,141 counties in theU.S. to one of three zones based on radon potential:

Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening levelgreater than 4 pCi/L (picocurries per liter) (red zones)

●

Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening levelbetween 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones)

●

Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level lessthan 2 pCi/L (yellow zones)

●

An Adobe Acrobat pdf version of the map is available (suitable for printing): color- zonemapcolor.pdf (327KB file) | black & white - b&wmap.pdf (98KB file)

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The purpose of this map is to assist National, State, and local organizations totarget their resources and to implement radon-resistant building codes. This map isnot intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested forradon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones. Allhomes should be tested regardless of geographic location.

IMPORTANT: Consult the EPA Map of Radon Zones document (EPA-402-R-93-071) beforeusing this map [call your State Radon Contact for a copy of the Map and the Zones document].This document contains information on radon potential variations within counties. EPA alsorecommends that this map be supplemented with any available local data in order to furtherunderstand and predict the radon potential of a specific area. If you have questions about radonin water, you should contact your State Radon Coordinator.

You can view your State's map by clicking on your State below.

Alabama || Alaska || Arizona || Arkansas || California || Colorado || Connecticut ||Delaware || Florida || Georgia || Hawaii || Idaho || Illinois || Indiana || Iowa || Kansas|| Kentucky || Louisiana || Maine || Maryland || Massachusetts || Michigan ||Minnesota || Mississippi || Missouri || Montana || Nebraska || Nevada || NewHampshire || New Jersey || New Mexico || New York || North Carolina || NorthDakota || Ohio || Oklahoma || Oregon || Pennsylvania || Rhode Island || SouthCarolina || South Dakota || Tennessee || Texas || Utah || Vermont || Virginia ||Washington || West Virginia || Wisconsin || Wyoming





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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Real Estate


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Radon Action Month


Radon and Real EstateEPA, with cooperation from its radon partners, has developed a number of tools and resources for use by the real estatecommunity:

Revised Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide1.

Financing Residential Radon Mitigation Costs: the HUD 203(k) Mortgage Insurance Program2.

American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Radon Mitigation System Inspection Checklist3.

Finding a "Qualified" Radon Service Professional4.

NOTE: EPA has updated its Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon (EPA 402-K-00-008, July 2000). This guidance is also available in Spanish (www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hmbyguidsp.html) The updated 38-pageGuide includes a number of changes, among them:

information on the 1998 National Academy of Sciences BEIR VI radon report; ●

revised sections on radon-in-water and radon-resistant new construction; ●

an expanded section on where to get copies of the Guide and other radon and Indoor Air Quality(IAQ) information and documents;

●

an up-to-date listing of state radon offices and EPA Regional offices; ●

a section on radon related Hotlines; information on EPA's radon (and IAQ) web sites; and, ●

an Index.●

This new edition also reflects the closing of the U.S. EPA Radon Proficiency Program, and advises whatconsumers should look for in a qualified radon services provider. The Guide has been designed to be morereadable, with improved cross-references.

Financing Residential Radon Mitigation Costs: Using the HUD 203(k) Mortgage Insurance Program toReduce the Risk of Lung Cancer in People.

The Section 203(k) mortgage financing program is the Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) primarytool for rehabilitating and improving single family homes. The program allows home buyers to finance thepurchase and repair or improvement of a home using a single mortgage loan. Reducing radon levels in ahome is an improvement that can be financed through a 203(k) mortgage loan.

Part of the 203(k) mortgage proceeds must be used to pay the costs of rehabilitating or improving aresidential property. To qualify, the total cost of the eligible repairs or improvements, including fixes toreduce radon levels, must be at least $5,000. The 203(k) program is an important tool for expanding homeownership, revitalizing homes, neighborhoods and communities, and for making homes healthier and saferfor those who occupy them.

Homes eligible for 203(k) financing include:

one to four-family dwellings that have been completed for at least one year; 1.

dwellings that have been demolished, provided some of the existing foundation system remains; and, 2.

converting a one-family dwelling into a two, three, or four-family dwelling; or, alternatively,converting an existing multi-unit dwelling into a one to four-family unit.

3.

The 203(k) program has been used successfully by many lenders to rehabilitate properties throughpartnerships with state and local housing agencies, and with non-profit organizations. To further helpborrowers buy homes, lenders have found innovative ways to combine the 203(k) program with otherfinancial resources like HUD's HOPE and Community Development Block Grant Programs.

Contact an FHA-approved lender in your area for more information about HUD’s 203(k) program, or ifyou’re interested in getting a 203(k) insured mortgage loan. Check your phone directory’s blue pages for

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the HUD office nearest you; they can get you a list of the 203(k) approved lenders in your area. You canalso find HUD’s 203(k) home page on the Internet at "http://www.hud.gov:80/progdesc/203k--df.html

".

ASHI's Radon Mitigation System Inspection Checklist

Home inspectors now have a new service to offer their home inspection clients; radon mitigation systeminspections. The tool that makes this possible is the Radon Mitigation System Inspection Checklist(available here as a 42.9KB PDF file), created by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), incooperation with the U.S. EPA's Indoor Environments Division. The Checklist promotes radon awareness,testing and mitigation with people who are having their home, or prospective home, inspected. With justseven inspection elements, the Checklist takes under 15 minutes to complete. Inspectors can easily integrateit into a general home inspection. The inspection results indicate whether the home has a mitigation system,and if so, whether the system is active or passive. It also encourages the consumer to verify that indoorradon levels are below 4 pCi/L, and to consult a qualified mitigator if the inspection notes any apparentdeficiencies.

The Checklist was constructed using several sources, including EPA technical radon mitigation andradon-resistant documents, and radon inspection checklists used by state radon programs, e.g.,Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Iowa. It was also field tested by ASHI and reviewed by the state radonprograms. The Checklist includes information on radon risks, the NAS radon report, ASHI and EPA websites, the IAQ Clearinghouse and more. The Checklist also encourages consumers who have questions tocontact their state radon office. ASHI's 5,000+ members will be sent copies of the Checklist and it will soon

be available from ASHI's web site ).

If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test or mitigate your home, oryou need to purchase a radon measurement device, you should:


1.

Contact one or both of the two privately-run Radon Proficiency Program (listed here alphabetically) who areoffering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation.




2.


For more information on radon and real estate, contact Philip Jalbert (202) 564-9431, or via e-mail at:[email protected]).



http://www.hud.gov/progdesc/203k--df.html


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Indoor Air - Radon

Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Radon in Drinking Water


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Radon in Water




Radon Action Month


Radon in Drinking WaterPublic Health Standards for Radon in DrinkingWater

EPA is proposing new public health standards for radon indrinking water. The proposal would provide two options toStates and community water systems for reducing radonhealth risks in both drinking water and indoor air quality, aunique multimedia framework authorized in the 1996Amendments to the Safewater Drinking Water Act(SDWA). Information about the proposed rule andinformation relating to the status of the rule can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radon.html. You can viewthe October 19, 1999 EPA Press Release on the proposedstandards at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/waterpres.html.

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report on Radon inDrinking Water "Risk Assessment of Radon in DrinkingWater."

A report released September 15, 1998, by the NationalAcademy of Sciences is the most comprehensiveaccumulation of scientific data on the public health risks ofradon in drinking water. The report was required by theSafe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The NAS report (BEIRVI) issued earlier this year confirmed that radon is a seriouspublic health threat. This new report goes on to refine therisks of radon in drinking water and confirms that there aredrinking water related cancer deaths, primarily due to lungcancer. The report, in general, confirms earlier EPAscientific conclusions and analyses for drinking water, andpresents no major changes to EPA's 1994 risk assessment.

The Office of Ground Water Drinking Water has posted thepress release of "Risk Assessment of Radon in DrinkingWater". There is also a link to NAS's Executive Summaryon the report (with initial EPA perspectives) at:

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http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/radon/nas.html.

For general information on radon in drinking water, contact the SafeDrinking Water Hotline, at (800) 426-4791. The Safe Drinking WaterHotline is open Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays,from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.




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Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > Radon Resistant NewConstruction


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Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)Why Should You Build Homes with Radon-Resistant Techniques?What are Radon-resistant construction techniques?Related Resources

Related Sources ofInformation

This area is alwaysunder construction!

EPA's Energy Star HomesProgram

Building Radon Out: AStep-by-Step Guide on

How to BuildRadon-Resistant Homes

(PDF File)

Basic Information onRRNC

(pamphlet)

Building a New Home:Have You Considered

Radon?(pamphlet)

Model Standards andTechniques for Control ofRadon in New Residential

Buildings

Radon ResistantConstruction

Architectural Drawings(522K zipped filefor use with CAD

programs)[You can also download a

PDF (985K) version of thedrawings.]

Why Should You Build Homes with Radon-Resistant Techniques?

They Make Homes Safer from Radon!

These construction techniques help block radon from entering thehome. The occupants will benefit from lower radon levels in theirnew home.

They Are Easy to Upgrade When There is a Need to Increase theRadon Reduction

If high radon levels are found, the techniques allow for easy andinexpensive installation of a fan for increased radon reduction in thehome. Every new home should be tested for radon by thehomeowner after occupancy.

They are Cost-Effective for Home Buyers

It is more cost-effective to include radon-resistant techniques whilebuilding a home, rather than installing a radon reduction system inan existing home.

For Example:

Materials and labor costs for Radon-ResistantTechniquesvs.Retrofitting an Existing Home is

$350 - $500 vs. $800 - $2,500(a 128% to 400% saving!)

Some construction companies successfully use this as a marketingadvantage.

They Improve The Home's Energy-Efficiency

Radon-resistant construction techniques provide an average of $65per year in energy savings for the homeowner.

What are Radon-resistant construction techniques?

The techniques may vary for different foundations and site requirements, but thebasic elements are:

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A. Gas Permeable Layer

This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow thesoil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, thematerial used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel.

B. Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer andunder the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home.In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor.

C. Sealing and Caulking

All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reducesoil gas entry into the home.

D. Vent Pipe

A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layerthrough the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house.

E. Junction Box

An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later.

How Many Homes Are Built With Radon-ReducingFeatures?

... According to the most recent survey of home builders conducted by theNational Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center:

18.8% of approximately 1,126,000 single-family detached homes builtduring 1998 incorporated radon-reducing features, which translates to nearly212,000 homes. This brings the cumulative total of single-family detachedhomes built with radon-reducing features since 1990 to over 1.6 millionhomes, based on the results of previous surveys conducted by the NAHBResearch Center.

43.3% of approximately 306,000 single-family detached homes built in Zone1 (homes with high radon potential) during 1998 incorporatedradon-reducing features, which translates to about 132,500 homes. Thisbrings the cumulative total of single-family detached homes built in Zone 1with radon-reducing features since 1990 to just over 1 million.*

* These results exclude homes built on pier-style foundations.

If you have further questions about Radon, please call your State Radon Contact or the National RadonInformation Line at:

1-800-SOS-RADON[1 (800) 767-7236]

or (if you have tested your home)The Radon FIX-IT Program at:1-800-644-6999 or visit www.radonfixit.org













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Contact Us | Print Version Search: EPA Home > Air > Indoor Air > Radon > BEIR VI Report


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Find a Qualified Radon Service Professional

Radon in Water




BEIR VI Report

Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR)VI Report: "The Health Effects of Exposure to IndoorRadon"

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) held a press conference onThursday, February 19, 1998, to present the findings of their BiologicalEffects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI Report: "The Health Effects ofExposure to Indoor Radon." This new report by the NAS is the mostdefinitive accumulation of scientific data on indoor radon. The reportconfirms that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.and that it is a serious public health problem. The study fully supportsEPA estimates that radon causes about 15,000 lung cancer deaths peryear.

The National ResearchCouncil's publishedreport, entitled: HealthEffects of Exposure toRadon: BEIR VI,Committee on HealthRisks of Exposure toRadon (BEIR VI), canbe read and purchasedfrom the NationalAcademy Press

via theirweb site. The ISBNnumber for the book is0-309-056454-4; 516pages, 1999. The listedhardcover price for thebook is $54.95 U.S.and $66.00 Intl.

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We have posted theExecutive Summaryand Public Summaryon this site.

NAS Report on Radon in Drinking Water - "Risk Assessmentof Radon in Drinking Water."

The report, released September 15, 1998 by the NationalAcademy of Sciences, is the most comprehensiveaccumulation of scientific data on the public health risks ofradon in drinking water. The report was required by the SafeDrinking Water Act. The NAS report (BEIR VI) issuedearlier this year confirmed that radon is a serious publichealth threat. This new report goes on to refine the risks ofradon in drinking water and confirms that there are drinkingwater related cancer deaths, primarily due to lung cancer.The report in general confirms earlier EPA scientificconclusions and analyses for drinking water, and presents nomajor changes to EPA's 1994 risk assessment. A link toNAS's Executive Summary of the report and initial EPAperspectives are available online at:http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/radon/nas.html.




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Indoor Air - Radon

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Radon in Water




Radon Action Month


Finding a "Qualified" Radon ServiceProfessionalIf you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test or mitigate your home, or you need topurchase a radon measurement device, you should:


1.

Contact one or both of the two privately-run National Radon Proficiency Programs (listed here alphabetically)who are offering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation.




2.


After the close of EPA's National Radon Proficiency Program on 9/30/98, we found that it might be useful to maintainsome of the informational pages/resources which were available to program participants/consumers when the programwas in operation, specifically:

A snapshot of Radon Device Manufacturers as of April 18, 1998.●

EPA's RPP-Related Documents (e.g., the old RPP Handbook, quality assurance document, device protocols andhomes protocols, etc.) Everything offered here is also offered on our radon publication web site.

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Descriptions of each of the 15 radon measurement methods that have been identified by the U.S. EPA and wereused in EPA's former RPP. The descriptions are divided into methods appropriate for measuring radon gas andradon decay products

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If you have further questions about Radon, please call your State Radon Contact or the National Radon Information Lineat:

1-800-SOS-RADON[1 (800) 767-7236]


1-800-644-6999www.radonfixit.org

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