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Fairfield Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Contact
Person:
Deb Kilbarger, RS 740-652-2800
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element that is naturally
occurring in our environment. It is an extremely toxic, colorless
gas that can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an
opaque, glowing solid. It is derived from the radioactive decay
of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak
detection, and in radiography. Radon is completely
invisible to sight, smell, or taste. Radon is a known
carcinogen and exposure to high levels over a period of time can
lead to lung cancer. It is considered the second leading
cause of lung cancer in the United States. Potential
sources of radon in your home include earth and rock beneath the
home, well water, and building materials.
The risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to radon is
dependent on the average annual level of radon in your home and
how much time you spend there. The longer your exposure to
radon, the greater the risk. Risk is even greater for smokers.
Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991,
the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)
in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
Radon detection kits are inexpensive and easy to use. You can
purchase a kit at your local hardware store or other retail
outlets. After you've completed testing your home, mail
the entire kit to the manufacturer for analysis.
Short-term or long-term testing kits are available.
For more information, contact the Ohio
Department of Health at their toll free number,
1-800-523-4439 or visit their
website.
Radon Resource Links
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