craig m. audet walden university
DESCRIPTION
The Detrimental Health Effects of Radon and How to Avoid Them: Information for the Homeowners, Schools, and Real Estate Professionals. Craig M. Audet Walden University. This educational slide presentation on radon it arranged in four modules:. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
THE DETRIMENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF RADON AND HOW TO AVOID THEM: INFORMATION FOR THE HOMEOWNERS, SCHOOLS, AND REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Craig M. Audet
Walden University
THIS EDUCATIONAL SLIDE PRESENTATION ON RADON IT ARRANGED IN FOUR MODULES:
Module 1 contains general information on radon and its adverse health effects
Module 2 contains information for homeowners Module 3 contains information for school
systems Module 4 contains information for Real Estate
professionals
7/1
9/2
00
9
2
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
What is radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless
radioactive gas Radon comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock and water Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon can get into any type of building - homes,
offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
7/1
9/2
00
9
3
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Where is radon found? Radon is found in soil and in water Radon in water is an inhalation and ingestion risk
Most risk is from water usage Not usually a problem in surface water Problems are more likely from ground water, e.g., a
private well or a public water supply system that uses ground water
Radon from the soil is usually a much larger risk
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
7/1
9/2
00
9
4
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
7/1
9/2
00
9The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
5
Radon gets in through: 1. Cracks in solid
floors2. Construction joints3. Cracks in walls4. Gaps in suspended
floors5. Gaps around
service pipes6. Cavities inside walls7. The water supply
How does Radon Get into Buildings?
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Scope of the Problem Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has
elevated radon levels. Radon problems can also be found in:
Schools Businesses Workplaces Daycare and childcare facilities Other buildings
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
7/1
9/2
00
9
6
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
EPA’s Map of Radon Zones Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988 Areas of the U.S. with the potential for elevated
indoor radon levels Assigns each of the 3,141 counties in the U.S. to
one of three zones based on radon potential Can to assist national, state, and local
organizations in targeting their resources and to implement radon-resistant building codes
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-2)
7/1
9/2
00
9
7
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
EPA’s Map of Radon Zones The Map uses five factors of radon potential
indoor radon measurements geology aerial radioactivity soil permeability foundation type.
Zone 1 counties (red zones) have the highest radon potential greater than 4 pCi/L
Zone 2 counties (orange zones) have moderate radon potential between 2 and 4 pCi/L
Zone 3 counties (yellow zones) have a low radon potential less than 2 pCi/L.
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-2)
7/1
9/2
00
9
8
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
EPA’s Map of Radon Zones Important points in regard to The Map
1. All homes should test for radon, regardless of geographic location or zone designation
2. There are many thousands of individual homes with elevated radon levels in Zone 2 and 3
3. EPA recommends that this map be supplemented with any available local data in order to further understand and predict the radon potential of a specific area.
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-2)
7/1
9/2
00
9
9
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
7/1
9/2
00
9The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
10
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Radon Health Effects Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-
smokers Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer Responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year The U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory
for radon on January 13, 2005 Test homes for levels Remedy problems as soon as possible
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-3)
7/1
9/2
00
9
11
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Radon Health Effects The risk of lung cancer is higher among smokers who are
exposed to high radon levels. Risk for smokers exposed to 10 pCi/L over a lifetime
getting lung cancer is 150 per 1000 people Risk for a non-smokers is 18 per 1000 people The chances of getting lung cancer depend on:
the level of exposure the total time of exposure smoking history
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-3)
7/1
9/2
00
9
12
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 1 – RADON AND ITS ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Radon Health Effects Radon gas decays into radioactive particles Particles get trapped in the lungs As they break down they release small amounts of
energy This energy can damage lung tissue and lead to lung
cancer over the course time The amount of time between exposure and the onset
of lung cancer can be many years Not all those exposed develop lung cancer
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-3)
7/1
9/2
00
9
13
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Radon Testing The only way to know if you have a radon problem Water testing
Public water supply: check with water provider or test Private well: test If a problem exists, there are two ways to remediate
Point of entry treatment Point of use treatment
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
7/1
9/2
00
9
14
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Radon TestingAir testing
Recommended by EPA & Surgeon General All homes below the 3rd floor Average indoor level: 1.3 pCi/L Two ways to test
Short-term testing Test remains for 2 to 90 days May not provide result equitable to levels for the entire
year Long-term testing
Test remains for more than 90 days Reading more equivalent to year-round level
If levels are above EPA action level of 4pCi/L , fixing the home is warranted
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
7/1
9/2
00
9
15
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
7/1
9/2
00
9The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
16
Radon TestingAir testing
Reducing radon in the home Soil suction radon
reduction systemPulls radon from
under house and vents it outside
No major changes to home
Effective and cost efficient
New homes can be built with this system
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-1)
MODULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Radon Testing January is National Radon Action Month Four things homeowners can do:
1. Test your home2. Attend a National Radon Action Month event3. Spread the word4. Buy a radon-resistant home
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-4)
7/1
9/2
00
9
17
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Additional Resources: EPA's Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791
or at www.epa.gov/safewater/radon.html EPA Radon Publications at
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/index.html#index1
Your State Radon Contact at http://www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html
Radon Information Resources at http://www.epa.gov/radon/rnxlines.html
7/1
9/2
00
9
18
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
EPA and Schools EPA recommends testing all schools for radon 1988 study of schools in Fairfax County, Virginia Findings used to develop Radon Measurement in
Schools - An Interim Report. Used as a guide for measuring radon in schools
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 1993)
7/1
9/2
00
9
19
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
EPA and Schools1989-1990 School Protocol Development
Study Further examines how to conduct radon measurements
in schools. Study suggested that elevated radon levels (levels ≥
4pCi/L) exist in some schools in every state. Most elevated measurements were greater than 4 pCi/L Several schools found with levels well over 20 pCi/L Some found with concentrations over 100 pCi/L
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 1993)
7/1
9/2
00
9
20
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
EPA and SchoolsEPA also conducted a National School
Radon Survey Provides a statistically valid representation of the
levels of radon in schools at the national level Results show widespread radon contamination EPA estimates that 19.3% of U.S. have at least one
room with short-term radon levels above 4 pCi/L In total, over 70,000 schoolrooms have short-term
radon levels above 4 pCi/L
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 1993)
7/1
9/2
00
9
21
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
EPA and Schools The EPA recommends same testing method of short and
long-term testing. If necessary, proceed with diagnostics and mitigation
plans Schools should conduct initial measurements in all
frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground Usually classrooms, offices, laboratories, cafeterias,
libraries, and gymnasiums. Future retesting should be done
After significant changes to the building structure or the HVAC system.
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 1993)
7/1
9/2
00
9
22
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
Summary of EPA Recommendations Initial short-term tests in all frequently occupied, ground contact
rooms Initial testing during the coldest months when the heating
system is operating and windows and doors are closed Short-term test of 2 to-5 days should be conducted on weekdays
with the HVAC system operating normally If the short-term test shows level in a room is 4 pCi/L or greater,
conduct either a second short-term or a long-term test to confirm
EPA does not recommend that schools use a single short-term test result for determining action
Duplicates and blanks should accompany all testing programs Trained school personnel or a RMP-listed measurement service
should supervise and/or conduct the testing program.
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 1993)
7/1
9/2
00
9
23
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 3 – INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
Additional Resources: EPA Radon Publications at
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/index.html#index1 Radon Links - Kids, Students and Teachers at
http://www.epa.gov/radon/justforkids.html State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program at
http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html
7/1
9/2
00
9
24
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 4 – INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Federal Housing Commissioner 2004 : issued radon gas notice Required a release agreement in all sales contracts for
HUD properties Notifies purchasers of potential health problems of radon Use of the agreement expired on May 31, 2005. Agreement was used in the purchase of approximately
78,000 properties
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-5)
7/1
9/2
00
9
25
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 4 – INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Federal Housing Commissioner 2006: informed FHA mortgagees about revisions to its
home inspection form Reaches millions of homebuyers
Section on radon included EPA and U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation EPA's 1-800-SOS-Radon hotline.
Mortgagees required to provide the form to prospective homebuyers
Form is mandatory for all FHA-insured mortgages
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-5)
7/1
9/2
00
9
26
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 4 – INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Section 203(k) Mortgage Financing Program HUD’s primary tool for improving single family homes Program allows home buyers to finance the improvement
of a home Reducing radon levels in a home is eligible The total cost must be at least $5,000 “An important tool for expanding home ownership,
revitalizing homes, neighborhoods and communities, and for making homes healthier and safer for those who occupy them.”
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-5)
7/1
9/2
00
9
27
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 4 – INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
The Radon Mitigation System Inspection Checklist Home inspectors offer radon mitigation system inspections to home
inspection clients Created by the American Society of Home Inspectors in cooperation
with the EPA's Indoor Environments Division Checklist promotes radon awareness, testing, and mitigation Inspection results indicate whether the home has a mitigation
system Encourages the verification that indoor radon levels are below 4
pCi/L Checklist constructed using several sources
EPA technical radon mitigation and radon-resistant documents, Radon inspection checklists used by state radon programs
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-5)
7/1
9/2
00
9
28
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
MODULE 4 – INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
EPA Video Breathing Easy: What Home Buyers and Sellers
Should Know About Radon Primary audiences are home buyers, sellers, real
estate agents, & brokers Provides a visual educational tool How to best include radon in residential real estate
transactions Covers the basics:
Radon science Lung cancer risk Home inspection Building a new home radon-resistant Testing & fixing a home Disclosure State radon offices Hotline & web resources Key radon numbers
Source: (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-5)
7/1
9/2
00
9
29
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon
REFERENCES U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009-1). A
Citizen's Guide to Radon. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from US EPA: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009-2). EPA Map of Radon Zones. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from U.S. EPA: http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009-3). Radon Health Risks. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from U.S.
EPA: http://www.epa.gov/radon/healthrisks.html U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1993). Radon
Measurement in Schools, Revised Edition. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009-4). Radon National Action Month. Retrieved July 17, 2009,
from U.S. EPA: http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram/public.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009-5). Real Estate and Radon. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from
U.S. EPA: http://www.epa.gov/radon/realestate.html
7/1
9/2
00
9
30
The H
ealth
Eff
ects o
f Radon