Source: KSL News Radio, By Heather Kelly, Utah Homes at Risk of having dangerous levels of radon gas
SALT LAKE CITY — A new Utah Geological survey reported that 33% of all Utah homes have dangerous levels of a cancer-causing gas.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Radon naturally occurs in soil across the world but can be found in higher concentrations in some areas including indoors.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even at the average level of gas found in most homes which is 1.3 picocuries per liter, written as pCi/L, two out of every 1000 people will develop lung cancer. However, the average level of radon gas in Utah is 5.3 pCi/L.
Because of these findings, the Department of Environmental Quality, DEQ wants to increase the public’s awareness of radon gas by including testing for homebuyers. Currently, real estate laws do not require any discussion about radon in the homebuying process.
The DEQ also wants mandatory testing in schools, daycare centers, prisons and public buildings a minimum of every five years.
The DEQ hopes to reduce future exposure to radon by adopting the latest International Residential Code into Utah’s Construction and Fire Code Act, making passive or active Radon mitigation system installation during construction a requirement.
Another goal of the DEQ is public access to low-cost testing kits which can be ordered at radon.utah.gov.
You can learn about Radon Gas in this interview on Money Making Sense.
Source: KSL News Radio, By Heather Kelly, Utah Homes at Risk of having dangerous levels of radon gas
To get tested today contact Utah Radon Services.
Radon is a radioactive gas that rises into homes from uranium in the soil underneath the building. This gas can pass through a home’s foundation and may lead to lung diseases, including lung cancer, for those inside. Although it can pass through the foundation, the cement and other materials still slow radon entry into the […]
Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas created when uranium breaks down in soil and rocks. It enters homes through cracks and pores in the foundation and construction joints, and long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States! With such […]
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas created when uranium in soil decays. Uranium is found in varying levels in soil and rock worldwide but is present in high concentrations in Utah. As it decays, radon rises from the ground and into homes where it is inhaled and can cause lung cancer. In fact, one […]
