How do people get exposed to Radon?

Most of the exposure to natural radiation comes from radon which can be found in schools, homes, and office buildings.

Most radon in homes comes from radon in the soil that leaks into homes through cracks in the foundation or slab. The amount of radon in the soil differs widely and depends on the chemical make-up of the soil. There can be a large dissimilarity in radon concentrations in the soil from house to house and the only way to know is to test.

Radon is also found in the water in homes, in specific, homes that have their own well rather than municipal water. When the water is agitated, as when washing dishes or showering, radon escapes into the air. Though, radon from water in the home normally contributes only a small proportion (less than 5%) of the total radon in indoor air in most housing.

Municipal water systems treat and hold water, which helps to release radon, so that levels are very low by the time the water reaches our homes. But, individuals who have private wells, particularly in regions of high radium soil content, might be exposed to higher levels of radon.

The EPA approximates that the national average indoor radon level in homes is around 1.3 pCi/l of air. They also estimate that around 1 in 15 homes nationwide have levels at or exceeding the level of 4 pCi/l, the level at which EPA recommends taking action to reduce concentrations. Levels more than 2,000 pCi/l of air have been measured in some homes. The only way you can know if there is radon in your home is to test for it.

Radon is naturally existing but can be harmful in large quantities. Learn more about radon with these radon safety facts and tips from the National Safety Council.

Check out tips and advice to protect you and your family from radon at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.