What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, which are radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it.

What is the Danger with Radon?

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.

Do we have Radon in our Homes?

Radon levels can vary by location. In Idaho, about 2 out of every 5 homes tested have radon levels higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guideline of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

How Can I Test for Radon?

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/environmental-health/what-radon) sometimes offers free tests kits or low-cost test kits. Usually, these kits must be sent to a lab for processing.

You can also purchase test kits and meters through Amazon, most of which provide continuous readings.

What Can We Do About Radon?

• See this pamphlet from the U.S. EPA.
• Local Radon mitigation service providers include:
  • Advanced Radon Technologies, 631 N. Hogan St, Spokane  509-326-5127 (don’t know if they come to Bayview)
  • Radon Solutions NW, 208-770-9684