Breathe Easy: Understanding Radon Risks at Weber State University

Prompt

MEASURING AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS ABOUT RADON AT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY ● Assess the level of awareness among health science students regarding radon gas and its associated health risks. ● Educate students on radon and the government-provided resources for prevention and mitigation. WHAT IS RADON? Radon is the byproduct of decaying uranium-238. It is a radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If this radioactive decay is inhaled over time, it can lead to cancer. Radon is known as the leading environmental cause of cancer mortality. Inhaling radon decay can cause particles to become trapped in the lungs, leading to potential lung tissue damage and increased risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure depends on the concentration of radon in the air. The longer a person breathes air containing radon decay particles, the greater their risk of developing lung cancer. As radon decays, it emits ionizing radiation, which can damage lung cell DNA. This damage can result in cell death, self-repair, and/or misrepair. Misrepaired cells do not immediately become cancerous, but multiply genetic mutations over time and can lead to lung cancer, especially with prolonged exposure Over time, repeated exposure to radon and accumulated genetic mutations increase the risk of uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to lung cancer. This slow process usually takes years to develop, making long-term radon exposure a significant health risk. HOW IT ENTERS HOMES ● Soil and Rock Beneath the Home: Radon seeps up through cracks and pores in the ground. ● Cracks in the Foundation: Even tiny openings in basement floors, walls, or foundations allow radon to enter. ● Gaps Around Pipes and Drains: Unsealed spaces around plumbing and utility openings can be entry points. ● Well Water Radon can dissolve into groundwater and be released into the air when water is used (e.g., showers, faucets). ● Building Materials Some materials, like concrete and granite, may contain small amounts of uranium, but this is a minor source compared to soil gas. WHY HOMES TRAP RADON ● Warm indoor air creates a vacuum effect, pulling radon in from the soil. ● Poor ventilation can allow radon levels to build up. ● Any home can have radon, regardless of age, foundation type, or location. ● Radon levels can differ from home to home - your neighbor could have high levels of radon and you could not. ● POOR: ≥4.0 pCi/L* ➜ HIGH RISK - Mitigation Recommended. ● FAIR: Between 2.0 & 4.0 pCi/L ➜ May pose risk; consider mitigation. ● GOOD: ≤2.0 pCi/L ➜ Low risk**. *pCi/L = picocurie per liter, a unit used to measure radon levels in air. **No level of radon exposure is considered safe. COUNTY <4 pCi/L >4 pCi/L Beaver 27.2% 72.8% Box Elder 43.1% 56.9% Cache 48.3% 51.7% Carbon 67.9% 32.1% Daggett 100% 0% Davis 69.2% 31% Duchesne 77.4% 22.6% Emery 65.9% 34.1% Garfield 56.2% 40.8% Grand 88.0% 12% Iron 84.3% 15.7% Juab 44.6% 55.4% Kane 69.0% 31.0% Millard 79.7% 20.3% Morgan 47.5% 52.5% Piute 72.7% 27.3% Rich 53.8% 46.2% Salt Lake 66.8% 33.2% San Juan 70.5% 29.5% Sanpete 45.4% 54.6% Sevier 50.2% 49.8% Summit 63.4% 36.6% Tooele 62.1% 34.7% Uintah 65.3% 34.7% Utah 65.5% 34.5% Wasatch 34.1% 66.0% Washington 88.3% 11.7% Wayne 54.2% 45.8% Weber 66.4% 33.6% UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION OF RADIATION CONTROL 2019. HOMES TESTED: 64,307 HOW TO TEST YOUR HOME Passive: Charcoal test kits and electric ion chamber testers, often called E-Perm testers. These tests are set on the lowest level of the home and left for 2-10 days, then mailed to a lab for resulting. ● Why Mitigate? Reducing radon levels is essential for a healthier living environment. ● Professional Assessment: A licensed radon expert can determine the best mitigation approach for your home. ● Ventilation Process: ○ Radon is collected from beneath the foundation. ○ A pipe system directs the gas outside. ○ A fan helps vent radon safely above the roofline. ● Effective Solution: Proper mitigation significantly lowers indoor radon levels.

Image Details