If you’ve never heard of “fracking” before, or hydraulic fracturing then you might want to get a little more familiar with it, especially if you live in Pennsylvania. Fracking is a technique used by miners to make the collection of gas and oil easier. They pump highly pressurized liquid comprised of various chemicals – sometimes hazardous – and sand into the affected area. This might not seem like a problem, until you consider the fact that those chemicals and that liquid mixture is coming into contact with local groundwater. In other words, its dumping radioactive chemicals into the surrounding area’s groundwater which might in turn come out of faucets.

Fracking Releases Radon Gas

One of the worst byproducts of fracking fluid happens to be radon gas. As you may know, radon gas is the second leading cause of cancer in the U.S. It is responsible for more than 20,000 deaths every year. While the damage caused is primarily due to long term exposure, the amount of radon gas contained in fracking contaminated water is extremely hazardous.

Vocativ, in collaboration with MSNBC, tested flowback – fracking liquid that makes its way to the surface – from a stream in the vicinity of Trout Run, Pennsylvania. Andrew Nelson, a scientist with University of Iowa tested the sample that was collected.

“We are now 15 minutes into this test for radon. We can say that the amount of radon in this vial is thousands of times higher than the allowable standards for drinking water based on the EPA limits.”

Again, consuming water that is contaminated with radon gas will not result in immediate symptoms. In fact, lung cancer doesn’t even show symptoms until later stages of the disease. This results in many patients being diagnosed well past the curable stage. The point here is that, taking in contaminated water over an extended period of time will cause serious harm to the body. If you think about it, you’d come into contact with that water while showering, cleaning, washing dishes, drinking, going to bathroom and more.

Get Up to Speed on Radon Gas and Fracking

Image by Daniel Lobo

Of course, there’s a lot of money in the fracking industry which is why the important folks who can actually make a difference are not concerned with the health problems. Some politicians and executives have even started drinking fracking fluid during campaigns to prove that its safe. Its not the fracking liquid itself that’s so hazardous, but the radon gas that’s a direct result of pumping it into the ground.

Phil Grossweiler, an energy industry consultant says that the fracking fluid stunt is just that – a publicity stunt to win favor.

“The point of seeing executives and politicians drink fracking fluid was deception. It was an attempt to convince the public that there is no harm from fracturing a shale oil well. It was deceptive in the sense that it’s the least of the problems. What goes down the well is not nearly as important as what comes up.”

For now, the most anyone can do is get educated on the subject – be sure to look up fracking and radon gas. If you’d like to know more about the Pennsylvania story you can check out Vocativ and MSNBC.

Certain building materials emit or “outgas” levels of radioactive particles, such as granite countertops which release radon. You can test your granite countertops for radon to be sure how much gas is being released. For the most part, it’s highly unlikely that the gas being released is concentrated enough to be hazardous or harmful. In addition there are several environmental factors that work against the buildup of said gas, such as room size, ventilation and more. That said, if you’re really worried and would like to know the amount of radon gas your granite countertops are outgassing, you can purchase a simple DIY test kit.

To be perfectly honest, if you’re planning on testing your counters and you have yet to test the air in your home – you should do that first. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 each year. Since the health affects come from long-term exposure it can all be prevented with a simple test. Get on it.

Getting back to the counter test, we’re going to cover the steps to do so in full detail. Here, is how you can test your granite countertops for radon gas.

How to Test Your Granite Countertops for Radon

Yes, there is another type of test specifically designed to check the radon levels being released by granite. The do-it-yourself test kit can be purchase online or from various home stores. It should be noted that this is not a common product, so you may not be able to find it locally. If you want to test your granite countertops for radon accurately, you need to use the appropriate test – makeshift home solutions will not work.

Image by Air Chek

The setup basically works like this, you put together several sample packets and then rest them on top of your counter. You cover the packets and leave them to collect the necessary air sample. Then – just like a traditional radon test – you mail the samples to a remote laboratory and wait for them to return the results.

You must be absolutely sure that you follow all instructions for setting up the test packets and collecting samples. That includes taking note of the distance required between the packets. You’ll also want to avoid placing them near windows, doors or areas leading outside. You’ll also want to keep them away from high trafficked areas if at all possible.

One or two of the air sample pouches will need to be suspened a few feet above the counter too. If the kit doesn’t include plastic ties to attach them you’ll need to pick some up.

The instructions will tell you how long to leave the packets. It should also list mailing information for the laboratory along with any fees or payment details.

Note: You can also use a device like a Geiger counter to measure your counter’s radioactivity, however it’s not recommended. Readings and measurements taken with a Geiger counter are difficult for the average person to translate into usable data at least as far as radon gas and health hazards are concerned.

Test Your Granite Countertops for Radon, but the Gas is More Likely to Enter the Home Elsewhere

Countertop testing instructions aside, radon gas is more likely to enter your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring. It’s a natural decay product of elements such as uranium, which happens to be abundant in soil.

Radon can be an issue in any home new or old. It doesn’t matter if your home has a basement, a second story or is manufactured. Often, new homes are built using radon resistant construction but the risk still exists. That is why you should test your home regardless of your geographical location, or residence type. Radon does not discriminate.

Radon is a radioactive byproduct of radium. It is a part of the natural radioactive decay series, which is a group of naturally occuring radioactive elements such as Uranium, Radium and Thorium.

The Science Behind the Deadly Gas Radon

Radon (222) is one of the elements produced during the radioactive decay chain of uranium (238), and the isotope radon (220) is produced by the decay of thorium (232). All of these elements, especially uranium, can be found in the Earth’s soil. Since radon is a gas as opposed to a solid, it can migrate or seep through a few feet of soil and other materials. That is how it makes its way into a residence and collects in abundance.

Cohen, A. B., who wrote “Before It’s Too Late” (Plenum Press, 1983) said that approximately six atoms of radon are released by every square inch of soil every second. If the radon gas is released into the open air it is quickly diluted, thus it poses less of a threat. However, if it seeps into a home it can collect in great amounts causing serious health issues over an extended period of time.

The deadly gas radon is considered so dangerous because it makes its way into the lungs and clings to the inner linings. Once there, it continues to decay and cause radioactive poisoning which ultimately results in lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, yet it’s the number one cause in non-smokers. It is responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans each year.

How Does the Deadly Gas Radon Enter a Residence?

Since Radon occurs naturally in the Earth’s soil it can be a problem anywhere. It doesn’t matter where you live or what type of home you live in, nor does it matter whether or not you have a basement. Radon can be a problem anywhere. Since the gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless the only way to detect its presence is to test specifically for it.

Radon has been known to shop up in the highest concentrations in the state of Iowa (U.S) and the Appalachian Mountain areas of Pennsylvania (U.S). Some of the highest radon levels of all time were detected in Mallow, Country Cork Ireland. Extremely high levels have also been discovered all across Canada. It’s not just a local issue (local being in the United States).

The deadly gas radon can enter homes through the process of diffusion, seeping in through concrete floors and walls, the water supply, cracks in the foundation and concrete slab, as well as cracks in the floors, walls, drains, sump pumps, joints and even through the pores of hollow-block walls. Long story short, there are many ways the deadly gas can enter a home.

While a large majority of new homes are built using radon resistant construction measures, it’s still possible for radon to make its way inside.

Radon can come from various building materials such as granite, concrete, gypsum board or sheet rock), bricks, and field stone. However, it is only rarely that radon is released by these materials in amounts that would cause an issue. Most of the radon gas decays while trapped below the surface, and what is released is a small amount that was actually near the surface. In homes constructed using these materials, if elevated levels are discovered it’s still likely the indication of another problem – a radon mitigation system is still recommended.

How to Remove the Deadly Gas Radon?

In order to lower the concentration of the deadly gas radon in a home where there’s a problem, you must install a mitigation system which essentially vents the contaminated air outside. Either the homeowner or a certified mitigation professional can install the equipment and system needed. It is always recommended, however that you hire a professional to do the work. This ensures it is done properly, and all equipment used remains safe and free of leaks.

In many cases, a radon professional will test before and after the installation of a mitigation system to ensure it is working properly.

Radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. In other words, there’s absolutely no way to discover its presence – or whether or not there’s a problem in your home – unless you test specifically for it. As it so happens, now is the best time of year to conduct a short term test. If you haven’t already, test for radon in your home.

You Should Test for Radon

We recommend testing your home twice a year: once in the summer and another time in the winter. Since summer is almost over, you better get moving if you want to make the ideal testing period. If you discover elevated levels in your home while doing a short term test, it’s time to move on to a long term test. Long term tests will help you better identify the average levels in your home, whereas short term tests are more of a quick solution. Of course, you could always hire a certified radon professional to come test for radon in your home for you. Some of them even have portable equipment and printers to present the test results on site.

Why are Summer and Winter Seasons a Good Time to Test for Radon?

Believe it or not, the radon levels inside a residence can be influenced by environmental conditions such as the weather, temperature and more. That is why you are not supposed to conduct radon tests during times of extreme weather, such as during a hurricane. It can affect the outcome. In addition, you are supposed to close all your windows and doors to isolate the air samples. Logically, most people would think radon levels will go down if the doors and windows are open since the inside air is venting outside however sometimes it can have the opposite effect.

That is exactly why we recommend testing during the winter and summer. During those two seasons people are more likely to remain indoors, and therefore that means the doors and windows stay closed more often. There are always exceptions to the rule and every family is different. Who knows, you may leave the home more during these two seasons than others. That doesn’t change the fact that Winter and Summer are the best seasons to test for radon.

After You Test for Radon

If you conduct a test and the levels are found to be below 4.0 pCi/L then you don’t have to worry so much. Although, we recommend taking action if the level is at – or above – 2.0 pCi/L.

If the levels are elevated, you need to get in touch with certified radon mitigation professional. They will be able to test your home – if necessary – and ensure levels are high, and they can also install a mitigation system. Depending on your home, and how it has been built you might need a certain type of mitigation system.

A radon mitigation system will ventilate the home and drain the radon gas, pushing it outside the home. Don’t worry, radon vents are generally located near the roof of the home, far away from ground level. This prevents anyone from coming into contact with the ventilation area and large concentrations of radon.

If you’d like to know more information about the dangers associated with radon, and why it’s so harmful head on over to our resource page.

Everyone needs to be aware about the dangers of radon. That is exactly why the Senior Wellness Center in Marietta Georgia will be holding a Radon Prevention event for seniors – aged 55 and up – from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 9, 2014. If you’re in the area, you should do what you can to attend.

At the event, the Cobb County and UGA Cooperative Extension Services will go through basic information about the dangers of radon, along with some preventative measures to keep your residence safe. The event is completely free, yet registration is required to attend.

What are the Dangers of Radon?

Image by Tristan Schmurr

Radon is the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in the United States. No, scratch that it’s the second leading cause in many countries including Canada and the UK. In the US alone, it accounts for nearly 20,000 deaths every year. 800 of those deaths occur in the state of Georgia where the event is taking place. This is primarily due to the fact that lung cancer has a remarkably high mortality rate. By the time most patients are diagnosed the disease has passed beyond a curable state. Lung cancer symptoms do not start to show until later stages, which makes it difficult to detect until its too late.

There are no direct symptoms of radon poisoning either. However, long term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and that risk grows exponentially when the person in question has been exposed to tobacco smoke as well.

The Dangers of Radon

The worse part about radon is that the deadly gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. In other words, the only way to detect its presence is to test specifically for it. If you have no idea that radon might be an issue or even exists, then there’s no way you’ll ever know your home is unsafe.

If radon tests are conducted, removing the gas is fairly simple. Either the homeowner, landlord or a certified professional can install a mitigation system that vents the radon gas out of the residence. It seeps in through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring but will do so gradually over time. If a mitigation system is in place – and is installed correctly – it will vent the gas keeping the levels at a safe and livable condition.

The Dangers of Radon Can be Prevented

Again, if you are in the area and you’re over 55 make sure you attend the event – the more folks that understand the dangers of radon, the more lives can be saved. If you do decide to attend the event, please share your knowledge with others and even direct them to websites like this one for more information.

Via: Marietta Daily Journal

One of the things you hear most from this site is that you should test your home for radon. Since radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless that is – unfortunately – the only way to discover whether or not you have a problem in your home. That said, how do you test? What are the steps required to setup a radon test and collect the appropriate air samples? Are there any tips, pointers or things you need to know beforehand? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore now.

How to Test Your Home for Radon

Follow the Test Directions to a Tee

Depending on what type of radon test you purcase, you may or may not have a completely different set of instructions. However, the concept will always remain the same – you want to collect an uncontaminated air sample from inside your residence. We’ll get to more on how it can be contaminated later.

Make sure you record the date you start the test along with basic information about where you located the testing kit. Believe it or not, where you place the test is extremely important but again that’s another element we’ll cover later.

How to Prepare to Test Your Home for Radon

Before you setup the testing kit, make sure you leave all windows and doors in the home closed for at least twelve hours. If you open any of them, fresh air can contaminate and affect the results of the test. You want to minimize the amount of air coming into the residence as much as possible. In addition, any fans or ventilation systems pulling air from outside the home should remain off during testing. You also want to avoid testing during extreme weather conditions.

Selecting Your Testing Location

The test should always be placed in the lowest livable space in your home. In some homes that will be in the basement, whereas in others it will be the ground floor. Always keep the testing equipment away from direct sunlight, heat or drafts. That means keep the testing equipment away from windows, outside doors, air vents, fireplaces, and heaters. It’s also a good idea to keep the equipment away from a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.

Begin the Test

There are different kinds of tests, so yours might differ. For the most part, tests generally include two sample vials or “detectors” which are used to collect air samples.

Remove the two caps from the vials, and place them on a flat surface – as even as possible – at least three feet away from the ground. They must also remain three feet away from any outside wall – this will prevent any drafts from interfering with the test. The two vials should remain six inches apart from each other at all times. How long you leave them depends on what kind of test you purchased – short or long term.

How to Get the Results After You Test Your Home for Radon

Fill Out the Necessary Information

Each testing kit will include a card or form where you will need to include additional information. Make sure to fill out all of the requested information, because it’s essential to the test.

When you put the caps back on top of the air sample vials, make sure you also record the end date for the test. This will allow the laboratory workers to identify how long the test was conducted.

Mail the test equipment to the proper address – it’s always included with the testing kit – along with your payment. The cost will vary depending on the type of test and location where you are sending the sample. The test MUST be mailed within 24 hours after the time you close the vials.

From there, it’s just a waiting game until the lab returns the test results back to you. Of course, there are radon professionals that can perform the test in a much shorter time as well as provide you with local results – some can print the information on site with portable equipment.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has declared January as the National Radon Awareness month. This is nothing new of course, as the EPA aims to raise countrywide awareness about the deadly gas. Unfortunately, most people pay the issue no mind unless it’s at the forefront. That is why, it doesn’t matter what month has been designated for radon awareness – everyone should take part in helping educate their friends, family and even neighbors.

Yes, we know it’s not January but that doesn’t matter.

Whenever you have the opportunity to talk about your quality of life, home, family or health you can try bringing up radon as a discussion topic. Worried about what to tell everyone? No problem, we’re going to help you explain everything right here and now.

Radon Awareness: What to Tell Everyone

Radon is more deadly than everyone believes. It is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and it’s responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans every year. You may very well be living in a residence with elevated radon levels, and yet have no clue about it. That is because radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The only way to discover its presence is to test specifically for it – more on that later.

Even worse, there are no short term symptoms of radon poisoning. Even lung cancer has no short term symptoms. In fact, by the time a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer it’s probably already progressed beyond a curable state.

Long story short, radon is bad news. However, it’s only a serious issue if you or your family are exposed to high levels for a long period of time. If you get the problem fixed, your risk for cancer will decrease.

That is exactly why everyone should test their home for radon.

Radon Awareness: My Neighbor Already Tested Their Home…

It doesn’t matter what your neighbor’s levels are. It doesn’t matter what the average levels are in your state. It doesn’t even matter whether you have a new home or old one – although new homes are built with radon resistant construction radon can still sometimes seep in.

Radon is a naturally ocurring gas, released by Uranium as a decay product. Since there’s a small amount of Uranium in the soil, it can seep into any home. It leaks in through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring and unless it’s ventilated properly outside it can collect in large quantities and poses a serious health risk.

The one thing you need to tell everyone, is that they should have their home tested. Period. That’s it.

Radon Awareness: Everyone, Have Your Home Tested

We recommend testing a home at least twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. Try short term tests first and if elevated levels are discovered conduct a long term test which should give you a more accurate reading of the average levels in your home. If you’re not comfortable testing yourself, you can hire an experienced professional to do it for you.

If levels above 4.0 pCi/L are discovered – which is the recommended action limit as set by the US EPA – then it’s time to hire a licensed mitigation professional to install a radon mitigation system. You can find more information on that here.

Think you can handle explained all of that to friends and family? Go for it!

Radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless which means it’s virtually indetectable. In fact, the only way to discover whether or not it’s a problem in your residence, is to specifically test air samples for it. That is why it’s extremely important that all homeowners – regardless of location – test their home for the presence of radon gas.

Free Radon Testing Kits for Pennsylvania Residents – Ends Sept. 30

September is going to be the last month that local Pennsylvania residents can acquire a free radon testing kit from the American Lung Association (ALA). That means, if you haven’t already done so you should order a testing kit for your home.

The American Lung Association is offering the free testing kits as part of a program to raise awareness about the deadly gas. The program has been funded thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania branch of the Department of Environmental Protection. The program has also been pushing various counties in the state to test their home, or have it tested by a professional.

Why Everyone [Eligible] Should Order a Free Radon Testing Kit

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and claims the lives of more than 20,000 Americans every year. The biggest issue is that most people have no idea radon gas exists. There are no short term symptoms of exposure either, so by the time homeowners realize there’s even a problem – someone in their immediate family may already be sick. Worse yet, lung cancer does not exhibit any symptoms until later stages of the disease – often by the time patients are diagnosed it has progressed far beyond a curable state.

According to survey data, about one in every fifteen homes in the country have elevated levels of the deadly gas. That number is already pretty high, but the ALA claims that the risk of radon in Pennsylvania is even greater than a lot of other states.

Radon can seep into a home through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring. It is released as a decay product of uranium, which appears commonly in soil.

Important Contacts for the Free Radon Testing Kits

The program has been in place for nearly three years now, and will finally be coming to an end on September 30, 2014. If you’re interested in acquiring a free testing kit, you can fill out the online form as the ALA website.

Interestingly enough, the ALA will also offer school and community based residences tests provided they contact the appropriate officials. Schools and community organizations may email [email protected] about the testing kits, or more information.

Again, it is extremely important that you test your home for the presence of radon. We recommend testing twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. If a short-term test returns negative results, then you should certainly perform a long-term test for a more accurate average reading. In the event that you do discover elevated levels in your home, get in touch with a certified radon mitigation contractor in order to install the proper ventilation system in your residence.

Share this information with others, as well. The more that knows about the dangers of radon, the more lives will be saved.

Via: Times Online

Radon awareness is finally making the rounds, as more than a thousand council homes in the Scotland Highlands will soon be tested for radon – a deadly radioactive gas.

That particular region of Scotland has an incredibly high risk for the presence of the odorless, tastless and colorless radioactive gas known as radon. It seeps up from the soil, given off as a decay product of uranium. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and has been linked to more than 1,000 deaths every year in the UK – nearly 200 or so of those deaths are Scots.

More Than 1,000 Highland Homes to Be Tested for Radon

Image by Shadowgate

Smokers are at an even greater risk for cancer if they have also been exposed to radon. The gas acts as kind of an accelerant for those exposed to both tobacco smoke and radon gas for an extended period of time.

Over the next few months, a net total of 1,150 council structures – including homes, schools and other buildings – will be tested for the presence of radon. Public Health England (PHE) will be conducted the entire operation, as per the Highland Council’s request.

Tenants in all of the following counties will receive letters about the tests, and informing residents what it means to them:

• Badenoch
• Strathspey
• Wester Ross
• Strathpeffer
• Lochalsh Wards
• Caol
• Mallaig
• Landward Caithness
• East Sutherland
• Edderton
• Dingwall
• Seaforth
• Aird
• Loch Ness

Why They Must Be Tested for Radon

As it turns out, certain geological conditions in the Highlands contribute to higher than average levels of radon gas being dispersed in the area. If it makes its way into a home – through cracks in the foundation, walls or flooring – then it will remain there contaminating the air supply.

If it makes its way into a resident’s lungs the particules will clingy to the flesh walls of the organ, decaying over time and resulting in lung cancer. Worse yet, lung cancer has a remarkably high mortality rate. By the time patients are diagnosed with lung cancer the disease has often progressed beyond a curable state, because symptoms don’t show until later stages. Radon poisoning and exposure will not cause any symptoms so there is virtually no way to tell you’ve been exposed unless you test your home. In fact, testing is the only way to discover radon’s presence at all.

Testing kits are not expensive at all. If you’re in the area and you’re interested in testing your home you can pick up one from the Health Protection Agency for £40.

Via: The Scotsman