What is considered an acceptable level of radon?
The acceptable level of radon is often difficult to determine and depends on what one feels is an acceptable risk. Any exposure to radon gas could increase the chances of developing lung cancer. In the United States, the Congress passed a law that claims that the natural level of radon found that the level is an acceptable level outside. This level is 0.4 Pico Curies per liter (PCI/L).
technically, if it was an acceptable level of radon for most people, they could not live in their homes. Very few houses have a level of radon equal to or below it found outside. Therefore, most house owners examine other risks and levels to calculate whether they are at increased risk of exposure to radon.
The average radon level for home, according to the US environmental agency, is 1.3 PCI/L. EPA does not recommend individuals to consider taking measures until the radon levels are 2 pci/l or higher. Therefore, it can interpret that an acceptable level of radon is something below 2PCI/L, especially for long -term exposure. According to EPA, anything more than 4 PCI/L should be repaired.
The acceptable level of radon can also be somewhat dependent on the lifestyle of an individual or family. The risk of lung cancer contracts as a result of radon exposure increases when the individual smokes. For example, using an average outdoor radon level, approximately three smokers for 1,000 would receive lung cancer. At 20 PCI/L, 260 smokers would eventually come up with this disease. For comparison, less than two non -smokers out of 1,000 would obtain lung cancer from Radon to outdoor level and approximately 36 would gain lung cancer at 20pci/l.
One of the important considerations when looking at the level of radon and determining what is acceptable is testing more than one area of home. For example, if the owner of the House of Jeslerts with an unfinished basement into the living area, Radon could be higher in this part of the house. Thereforeshould be tested any space that is used, as well as new spaces that are used more often.
If Radon is not at acceptable levels, there are several things that the house owner can do to reduce the radon in the house. The most important thing you need to do is always ensure that your home is monitored by a radon detector. Radon reduction includes sealing of cracks and possibly adding holes and pipes. This helps to prevent Radon from entering the house from below the foundation and should help the house owner achieve an acceptable level of radon.