Image by Eric Fischer

Radon is not exclusive to the US or even Canada. The odorless, tasteless and colorless gas is released when certain elements undergo natural radioactive decay.

Radon is a decay product of both thorium and uranium – they happen to be the two most common radioactive elements on the planet. Believe it or not, the affected elements reside in the soil and ground beneath our feet. For that reason, radon is a danger everywhere. More and more of the deadly gas is released from the soil every second. This is how it seeps into homes and builds up inside.

Recently, we revealed the states in the US that are more susceptible to radon, as well as the areas of Canada most likely to see elevated levels. Those aren’t the only places in the world affected by the deadly radon gas. This time, we’re going to discuss how prevalent radon is in the UK – or more specifically England and Wales.

Is Radon a Problem in the UK?

Yes, it certainly is. Radon is responsible for more than 1,000 lung cancer deaths in the UK every year. For the most part, we’re led to believe that it is only a problem when the levels inside a residence exceed the recommended limit. In the UK, they measure levels of the gas in Becquerels per cubic metre or Bq/m³. The recommended action level, set by the Government Health Protection Agency, is 200 Bq/m³. In other words, if radon levels are found to be higher than that the homeowner should take action by installing a radon mitigation system.

A study conducted by S Darby, D Hill and R Doll in 2001 revealed that “around 90% of radon-induced deaths in the United Kingdom probably occur as a result of exposures to radon concentrations below the currently recommended action level of 200Bq/m³.” To put it bluntly, any amount of the deadly radon gas in a home can be dangerous to the inhabitants.

If you’d like to read the study, it is titled ‘Radon: a likely carcinogen at all exposures’.

What are the Effects?

Particles, called radon daughters, are released during the decay process. These particles cling to surfaces where they remain and continue to undergo radioactive decay. If they are inhaled, they stick to the inside of the lungs eventually leading to lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer is always higher in smokers who are also exposed to radon. To reiterate, that means if you smoke and have come into contact with radon gas your chances of contracting lung cancer increase exponentially.

Unfortunately, there are no short-term symptoms of radon poisoning or lung cancer. In fact, lung cancer symptoms won’t even show until the disease has progressed to a non-curable state.

That is why it’s imperative you take action as soon as possible to measure the concentration of radon in your home. If the levels are found to be high, you should then hire a contractor to install a radon mitigation system.

What Areas of the UK are More Susceptible?

This map offered by the Health Protection Agency reveals the areas of the country more susceptible to the deadly radon gas. The darker areas – as the legend states – have an increased percentage of homes above the recommended action level.

That being said, it is very important that you understand radon can exist anywhere. For that reason, we recommend all homeowners test their residence at least twice a year. You can also install a radon detector – similar to a smoke detector – that will continuously monitor the levels in your home.

Recently, we revealed that certain areas are more susceptible to radon exposure than others. This can primarily be attributed to the geological makeup of an area, because radon gas can seep up into homes and other structures from the soil. It is released as various elements undergo radioactive decay, elements which can exist in the soil.

Image by Brian (Hobolens)

Areas With the Highest Levels of Radon

In the United States, Kentucky is known to have the highest levels of radon. It is so evident, that the state is actually referred to as the “triple crown of lung cancer.” Of course, it earned the title because it also has the country’s highest rates in terms of smoking and secondhand tobacco smoke.

In Canada, it turns out that New Brunswick has the highest levels of radon while Manitoba has the second highest. More than 23% of Manitoba homes were found to have radon concentrations above the recommended limit. In Canada, the highest recommended limit is 200 becquerels – clearly they use a different unit of measurement than the US.

According to the World Health Organization, the risk of lung cancer increases by 16 percent with every hundred becquerels of radon exposure. So, at the recommended limit those affected would see a 32% chance of contracting lung cancer – if exposed to those levels of radon for an extended period of time.

This is important, in particular because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The same can be said of Canada, where it is responsible for more than 3,000 deaths each year.

Erin Crawford explains why radon is so dangerous, and what it can actually do to the lungs:

“Radon is essentially a bunch of radioactive particles and when they are in your house, you breathe them in and when you breathe them into your lungs, they hit your lung tissue. That makes you more susceptible to lung cancer down the road. It’s radioactive gas.”

Test Your Home for Radon

If you are unlucky enough to live in an area with the highest levels of radon in the country, you’ll want to have your home tested – just to remain on the safe side.

Most professionals recommend testing your home for the presence of radon every two years. We recommend testing at least twice a year, in addition to installing a radon detector. Homes outfitted with radon mitigation systems should still be tested regularly, as well.

Short-term tests are less accurate, and as such it’s best to use long-term tests whenever possible. It should be noted that long-term tests will need to be left undisturbed for at least three months. During testing you’ll also want to avoid opening windows, doors and letting in air from the outside. This is because the tests collect air samples from within the home, and fresh air will affect the results.

If elevated levels are discovered in your home, they can easily be lowered with the installation of a radon mitigation system. Don’t be alarmed by the prospect, such systems really aren’t that expensive and the cost/safety trade-off is worth it. Lung cancer has an extremely high mortality rate, so it’s better to use preventative measures early on before you’re exposed to high levels of radon for an extended period of time.

Via: CTV News Winnipeg

Image by Esteban Maringolo

With all the warnings concerning the dangers of radon gas in a residence or business flying about, it can be easy to forget some other places where exposure can happen. There are plenty of other radon hazards –  or just radioactive hazards in general – around us. Many different work environments and locations across the country also pose a risk when it comes to radioactive exposure.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has made it clear that there are several risks at oil and gas wells, for example. Personnel at these wells may be exposed to radioactive materials that are produced during the drilling process.

Oil and Gas Wells are Potential Radon Hazards

The phrase used to describe radiation hazards on oil and gas sites is technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials or TENORM for short. As described in the ANSI/HPS N13.53-2009 standard, the control and release of TENORM can be defined as the following:

“[A] naturally occurring radioactive material disturbed or altered from natural settings or present in a technologically enhanced state due to past or present human activities and practices, which may result in a relative increase in radionuclide concentrations, radiation exposures and risks to the public, and threat to the accessible environment above background radiation levels.”

In other words, these radioactive materials are released as the drilling equipment disturbs the soil or surrounding area. Wouldn’t you know it one of the most common substances released near a drilling site is radium, or radon gas. Radon is no joke either. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, so it poses a severe threat to well workers and those who spend time near drilling areas. Wells in certain locations across the country produce enough radon gas to be considered one of the more serious radon hazards or health risks.

Of course, not all drills are located in areas where radioactive material is abundant. Nearly 30 percent of oil and gas wells actually produce TENORM, with the amount released varying from location to location. Wells located in states like California, Utah and Colorado are less likely to produce radioactive material. On the other hand, wells in Gulf Coast states are more likely to produce them.

Protection for Those Affected

The following steps should be taken at oil and gas wells in order to protect personnel and those who spend a significant amount of time near them:

• Those affected should understand the dangers of radioactive materials, and all associated protocols designed to minimize exposure.
• Direct skin content with radioactive equipment should be avoided, including scales.
• Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited in areas of the work environment where radioactive materials, equipment or even contaminated soil may be.
• Personnel should always wash after being exposed to a contaminated area. This includes washing hands and faces before eating, drinking or smoking.
• NORM-contaminated areas should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Potentially contaminated clothes, including undergarments should be changed when leaving the work site.
• Employees, personnel and supervisors should not bring home any materials, equipment, or supplies that may have been contaminated.
• Respirators, coveralls, gloves should be worn at all times in areas where potential exposure is possible. All equipment should be cleaned and decontaminated before being worn again.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

If you work at an oil or gas well, just remember to be smart about your health and safety and you should be fine. Ensure that you always wear the proper protection and follow the necessary rules of operation no matter how silly they may seem.

If you’d like to know more about the topic be sure to visit the source listed below.

Via: OHS Online

Kentucky is known as the “triple crown of lung cancer,” for more than just a single reason. It has the country’s highest rates in terms of smoking, and it also has the highest rates of secondhand smoke exposure as well as radon exposure. It’s no secret that smoking and radon exposure work hand-in-hand when it comes to lung cancer. If you are exposed to tobacco smoke in any form – direct or secondhand – and you’re also exposed to elevated levels of radon than the risk of contracting lung cancer rises exponentially.

The thing is, it doesn’t matter where you’re located there’s still a risk you may have elevated levels of radon in your residence or business. Just because your neighbor’s home tested safe doesn’t mean yours will and vice versa. That’s why it’s recommended that you test your residence at least twice a year.

All that aside, there are areas of the country that are more susceptible to radon. Because the deadly gas can seep up from the soil, there are areas where its more abundant – like Kentucky. It begs the question: what areas of the country are at a higher risk for radon?

High Risk States for Radon

Kentucky isn’t the only high risk state when it comes to elevated levels of radon, there are quite a few others. Before we begin, it’s important to note that even if your state is not listed here you should still have your home tested regularly. It doesn’t matter whether you are in a high risk state or not, radon still can – and does – exist.

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

For reference, the states listed here were identified thanks to the high risk map from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the states listed only have a small portion in a high risk area, but it matters little. As we mentioned above, even the states not on this list are not 100% safe from radon.

Test Your Home

Many underestimate the true dangers of radon, dismissing the deadly gas as a hoax or a ploy. In reality, radon exposure is linked to as many as 22,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Worse yet, lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all types of cancer – most of the time if you are diagnosed you are in big trouble.

The only way to detect elevated levels of radon in a residence or business is to test for it. The gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless. It is completely undetectable to us without the proper equipment. You can, of course, purchase radon detectors that will constantly monitor the presence of the gas in your home.

It’s better to discover there is no problem in your home, than to discover there is one and wonder how long you and your family have been exposed. There are no symptoms for short term exposure either, so effects will only show later in life.

Get your home tested for radon, whether you are in an area with a higher risk for radon or not.

It seems like we lead with this point every time a new story breaks about the deadly gas called radon, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Most tend to overlook just how fatal radon can be. Yet, there’s no way to ignore the fact that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Exposure to the gas has been attributed to about 15,000 – 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

Unfortunately, the gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless and there is absolutely no way to detect it without the proper equipment. So, how do you prevent exposure to such a gas? The only surefire way is to test the indoor air quality of a residence or business. This can be done by purchasing testing equipment, detectors similar to a smoke detector, or making your own.

Photo by Jon Holmes

The latter option is far less common. That being said, it is possible to create a radon testing device that works as good – if not better than – a store bought one. Since testing is recommended at least twice a year, owning one may be the most cost efficient option for some – especially in areas where elevated radon levels are common. You see, radon levels can fluctuate greatly throughout the year – seasons, temperatures and geography can all play a role in the concentration of radon in a particular area. That being said, it is important to remember that just because your next door neighbor has safe radon levels within their home does not mean you will. Every home should be tested, regardless of location.

DIY Radon Detector

We thought it might interest many of readers to see a tutorial on creating a “homebrew radon detector.”

As the source notes, such a device is actually very easy to put together. Using common materials, or many that you can purchase at a department store for relatively cheap, you can assemble exactly what you need to check the air quality in your residence.

“It turns out that you can make a cheap and effective radon detector with five basic elements: a webcam, a funnel covered with copper tape and mesh, a voltage multiplier built from some basic electrical components, a box, and a computer.”

If you’d like to see the full instructions and tutorial pay a visit to the source over at IEEE Spectrum.

Why Build Your Own a Detector?

Because radon levels can fluctuate so openly, it is a good idea to own a more permanent detection device. If you have one in your residence you can test the air quality on a regular basis. While we recommend at least two tests a year, more can be beneficial in some circumstances.

Detectors are as equally important in locations where mitigation systems have been installed. Just because there is a system in place to lower radon levels does not mean you should overlook monitoring the concentration of the deadly gas. In fact, if anything it should mean the exact opposite – that you should check more often to ensure the system is working.

If you’d like to know more about radon levels, testing or mitigation feel free to use our resources.

When a school is being remodeled during an active school year, students are generally moved to portable classrooms. There are plenty of other times portables come in handy too, like when the student population is thriving and schools just need some extra room.

Unfortunately, it seems like portable classrooms do more harm than good. Indoor air quality is a huge issue especially in schools, and portable classrooms are no exception. School portables are linked to radon, mold, asbestos and even dangerously poor ventilation.

Portables are created with cheap materials like plywood, particle board, insulating foams and glues. This is often because modular manufacturers build to a budget, and we all know schools don’t have a lot of money to waste when it comes to stuff like that. That shouldn’t be the case however, because indoor air quality is extremely important – even more so for children.

Dave Black, an indoor air specialist for the Northwest Clean Air Agency says that, in fact, indoor air quality is much more important than many of us realize.

“What’s the big whoop about indoor air? I had no clue. You have to be trained to know that indoor air is important. And indoor air is always worse than outside air with very few exceptions.”

The California Air Resources Board did a large-scale study of portable classrooms in 2004, and the results were not surprising. The study revealed that for nearly 40 percent of regular classroom hours there is an inadequate amount of fresh air within them. They also discovered high levels of formaldehyde exceeding recommended exposure limits in most of the portables tested. In case you didn’t already know, formaldehyde has been linked to cancer and childhood asthma – despite the fact that it’s a chemical commonly used in construction.

Peggy Jenkins one of the study’s authors spoke up about what they found.

“Formaldehyde levels were a little higher in the portables, some of the ventilation issues were greater, the lighting, moisture problems were a little greater. It did point to maybe the need for better maintenance and care for our classrooms.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The point here is that we need to eliminate the use of portable and modular structures in our schools. There are a lot of factors at stake, some that cannot be controlled such as a low annual budget. That being said, it’s clear that portables are doing more harm than good and they need to go. Studies like the one mentioned above have revealed school portables are linked to radon, mold, poor ventilation and much more.

If you’d like to read a little more about the California study and the dangers associated with portables, visit the source listed below.

Via: Wallowa

Photo by Sam Spokony

The Spectra pipeline was finished and launched nearly seven months ago. The pipeline runs underneath the Gansevoort Peninsula into Manhattan, and it now delivers millions of cubic liters of natural gas to homes throughout New York City.

While New York residents certainly need access to gas, many are concerned with the health related problems the pipeline poses, or more specifically it’s link to radon.

An increasing group of opposed parties including medical experts, administrators, residents and state legislators are worried about the presence of a deadly gas called radon, which they believe is being emitted at dangerously high levels thanks to the pipeline. In fact, the concern has been so high that many protests against the pipelines construction were launched long before it was opened for use.

If you don’t already know, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is actually the number one leading cause in non-smokers. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year across the country can be attributed to radon exposure. Worse yet, the deadly gas is tasteless, odorless and colorless. For years, it has been documented that radon is associated with natural gas.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) felt that the levels of radon seeping into New York Homes from the pipeline were not high enough for concern. Thus, the pipeline was constructed and soon activated for use.

The Spectra Gas Pipeline’s Link to Radon

However, many parties feel that the health risks associated with radon and exposure to it should not go ignored. One of those parties is New York State assembly member, Linda Rosenthal. Rosenthal introduced a bill last year that would require constant monitoring of New York’s natural gas delivery locations. This would help ensure that the radon released stays below dangerous levels. Obviously, the Spectra pipeline is part of that strategy, meaning it too would be monitored.

According to the United Nations’ World Health Organization, radon levels being released should not exceed 2.7 pCi/L of gas. Adversely, the US EPA recommends taking action in a residence if levels are found to exceed 4.0 pCi/L.

Rosenthall’s bill would require gas companies to keep a close eye on the radon levels being released – keeping them below the recommended limit – otherwise they would incur a fine of $25,000 per day. If an exit point is found to exceed the recommended limit, the party in question must turn off the gas supply and remedy the issue – if they refuse to act that’s where the fine would come into play.

An assembly hearing took place on May 9 that involved testimony from more than a handful of experts on radon. Representatives from the affected gas providers such as Con Ed did not show up, and instead declined a public appearance.

Rosenthall was not happy with the move, saying that companies like Con Ed clearly don’t have NY residents best interests’ at heart.

“Despite all our best efforts, [those utility companies] have refused to participate in today’s discussion. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. They deprive the public of the opportunity to learn more about the process and to have a lively discussion. Their actions cannot and will not hide the fact that there is no statewide monitoring system in place to deal with radon levels present in the natural gas that’s delivered to our homes. They have a vested interest in ensuring that the public is safe, and that’s why we’re holding this hearing today.”

The hearing did have some kind of effect on the community, however. Rosenthall’s bill moved forward on May 13, after being passed by the Assembly’s Committee on Health. Unfortunately, that’s just the first step and it has further to go.

You can read more about the Spectra gas pipeline and its link to radon at the source listed below.

Via: Chelsea Now

Lung Cancer is a deadly disease and a huge problem in the modern world. Most people don’t realize that it has a remarkably high mortality rate. More than 200,000 Americans will receive news this year that they are affected by lung cancer. Worse yet, less than 40,000 of those diagnosed will still be alive in five years. Long story short, lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. This could be prevented if the cancer is caught early on, which would mean annual screening for lung cancer in high risk individuals.

If the cancer is found early enough there’s a greater chance that it can be surgically removed. Unfortunately, at an early stage there are very few symptoms so it can be difficult to diagnose. Most often, by the time cancer is found in a patient it has already spread to vital organs or central areas of the body and is therefore incurable. That is why annual screening for lung cancer is recommended.

Early Screening Can Save Lives

Recent studies have been conducted where high risk patients are screened regularly using low-dose spiral chest CT scans. According to the results, it is suggested that 12,000 fewer deaths would occur every year due to lung cancer if this were carried out more often. In other words, screening high risk patients for cancer means that it can be caught and diagnosed at a much earlier stage.

However, one of the biggest issues with such a practice is that CT scans can be very costly. Annual scans for more than 8 million people (of high-risk) would be extremely expensive. Both the government and insurance providers will not be willing to pay the associated costs, which would mean an out of pocket expense for patients up to $1,000 or more.

How Does This Apply to Non-Smokers?

This begs the very serious question: would non-smokers benefit from such a costly screening procedure?

Believe it or not, lung cancer is prominent even in non-smokers. Nearly 15 percent of lung cancers are found in non-smokers, or moderate smokers who have had little contact. It is still possible to be diagnosed with lung cancer even if you have never smoked tobacco or been exposed to it by someone that does.

Tobacco smoke is not the only significant cause of lung cancer, however.

Radon induced lung cancer is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is responsible for more than 22,000 lung cancer deaths every year and it can affect both smokers and non-smokers alike. Even though smokers are more susceptible to cancer after being exposed to radon, individuals who have never smoked a day in their lives can still be affected. It is estimated that one in every 15 households in the US has dangerous levels of radon within it. Exposure to the deadly gas over time can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

What’s the Point?

Regardless, of whether or not you have been around tobacco smoke – you should have yourself screened for lung cancer regularly. The American Cancer Society states that people ages 55 to 74 with a 30 pack a year smoking history, or aged 50 and older with a 20 pack per year smoking history and prolonged radon exposure are at an exceptionally high risk. The aforementioned parties should definitely undergo annual screening. That being said, everyone is strongly advised to do so. The faster you catch the disease, the more likely you are to survive – if it spreads throughout your body it becomes less curable.

Via: Insurance News Net

One extremely common misconception about radon is that the deadly gas and the associated dangers are all a hoax. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Worse yet, it is estimated that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year are related to radon exposure. This information comes directly from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General’s Office. This is not something made up by mitigation contractors or corporations. They are cold hard facts.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand the urgency of a situation when you’re just looking at numbers, stats and facts. It helps if you actually hear, or see first-hand accounts of those affected by such a thing. To realize the true impact one may need to hear from actual radon lung cancer victims and survivors.

That’s why we’re changing gears. We’re going to take a look at exactly that: people who have been affected by exposure to radon.

Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR)

CanSAR, or Cancer Survivors Against Radon, is a community dedicated to increasing the awareness of lung cancer, or more specifically radon induced lung cancer. Those diagnosed with lung cancer can visit the site to share their story with like-minded individuals and receive moral support or guidance.

Perhaps most interesting – and eye opening – are the stories shared by radon lung cancer victims and survivors that had no idea they were living with high levels of radon gas. There are dozens of these stories on the site about survivors and victims alike, who were affected by debilitating lung cancer brought on by exposure to radon gas. Some of them have even passed away after their battle with cancer.

Rightfully so, the group is lobbying for more discussion on the topic. They’re sending letters to prominent physicians calling for more public announcements, and they also organize events to share their stories with others. All the officers of CanSAR have been affected by lung cancer directly, which means they have either contracted the disease personally or know a close relative that has been affected by it. These are people that have had their lives changed, and it can all be attributed to radon exposure.

We recommend visiting the CanSAR site and reading a lot of their materials and content. It will give you a much closer look at the real victims of radon, those who have been harmed by the deadly gas in more ways than one. If you have been affected by lung cancer or you know someone that has, please at least visit the CanSAR website.

In the end, if this information pushes even just a single homeowner to test their residence for the deadly gas and take action, then it served its purpose.

Believe it or not, most women in the US consider breast cancer a bigger danger than lung cancer. At least, that’s what the American Lung Association (ALA) discovered when they surveyed more than 1,000 US women. However, the real truth is that lung cancer claims more American lives every year – both women and men alike – than any other form of cancer. Lung Cancer is more dangerous than breast cancer, even though the latter is the most prevalent.

Unspecified Carcinoma of the Lung

This comes at a time when there is a more heightened awareness about cancer in general. According to the survey, most American woman are not aware that lung cancer is a risk even to nonsmokers. Even worse, fewer are aware that mortality rates are high for the disease.

Alana Burns, vice president of the ALA’s Signature Cause Campaign, seems to think awareness is lower for lung cancer because there are so few survivors speaking out on the issue.

“With breast cancer, there are so many survivors out there telling their stories and advocating,” Burns said. “But more than half of women diagnosed with lung cancer are gone within a year. There is no legion of survivors talking about their experiences.”

It is definitely true that more American women are affected by breast cancer. However, lung cancer claims more lives and that’s the point. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38 out of every 100,000 US women die each year because of it. In comparison, the mortality rate for breast cancer is 22 for every 100,000 women.

Even scarier is the fact that nearly 10 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked a day in their lives. Where does it come from then? Big surprise, the top cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers is exposure to radon gas. It can seep into homes after being released from soil with natural uranium deposits as it undergoes radioactive decay. The deadly radon gas collects inside a residence and over a long period of time can become extremely dangerous to inhabitants. Worse yet, it is odorless, tasteless and invisible. The only way to detect the presence of radon is to perform an air sample test.

Of course, there are other factors that can cause lung cancer including exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, asbestos and more.

According to the American Lung Association, less than half of women with the disease live for longer than a year after being diagnosed. That’s just another way to say the disease has a remarkably high mortality rate – which is exactly what we’ve discussed above.

That is why we need to get the word out there. Once you finish reading this, share it with family, friends and everyone you can. Lung Cancer is a very dangerous disease and it claims more lives every year. A lot of it can easily be prevented through a simple radon test, but before it can be prevented people need to be aware of the problem.

Just some food for thought, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Via: The Health Cast