ncradon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas emitted from

the earth.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless,

radioactive gas.

It is a naturally occurring gas It is a naturally occurring gas that enters buildings, homes that enters buildings, homes

and the environment from the and the environment from the surrounding soil. surrounding soil.

URANIUM

RADIUM

RADON GAS

It comes from the decay of Uranium It comes from the decay of Uranium which decays into Radium and then in which decays into Radium and then in

to Radon gas.to Radon gas.

Radioactive decay of Radon atom

Emits radiation Emits radiation

Radon Decay Products

Polonium 218

Polonium 214

• Plastic chip from passive radon test (alpha track)

• Magnified only 100 times

• 3 months at EPA Action Level of 4 pCi/L

Highly radioactive particles (RDP’s) stick to lung tissue, where they can irradiate sensitive cells.

Radiation can alter the cells, sometimes damaging the DNA of the lung cells, thus increasing the potential for cancer.

Image from: www.hipusa.com/eTools/webmd/A-Z_Encyclopedia/lungcancerbasics.htm

Image from: //health.allrefer.com/health/cancer-lung-cancer-frontal-chest-x-ray.html

Radon is a National

Problem...

Radon is a National

Problem...

Radon is a North Carolina

Problem...

Zone 2: Moderate Potential

(2-4 pCi/L)

Zone 1: Highest Potential

(> 4 pCi/L)

Zone 3: Low Potential

(< 2 pCi/L)

Radon Prevalence in NC

1.2 pCi/L

0.3 pCi/L

6.8 pCi/L 2.1

pCi/L

0.5 pCi/L

4.8 pCi/L 10.0

pCi/L 1.4 pCi/L

•Hardware Stores

•Internet

Average Costs:

Short-Term Kits: $10-$20

Long-Term Kits: $15-$25

Takes 3-7 days

Inexpensive

Easy

Takes 91+ days

Repeat the test in the same location. (If possible repeat with a Long-Term Test)

If the second test is above 4 pCi/L…

Call a certified Radon Mitigator

Method of removing Radon from the home via ventilation through a PVC pipe and out

above the roof.

Home Under Construction:

Less than $500

Existing Home:Existing Home:

$500 - $2000$500 - $2000

Measurement and mitigation contractors certified by NEHA or NRSB have been trained and carry ID cards.

Decrease the amount of Radon in the home/building

Improved Air Quality

•Decreased moisture

•Decreased mold and other

moisture irritants

• Type of Container

• Charcoal Bed Depth

• Diffusion Barrier

• Fine Mesh Wire Screen

• Hole Size

• Humidity Problems

• Duration of Exposure

• Fabrication Procedures

• Measurement/ Collection/ Analysis Procedures

dQ dt

= D dC d

A

Increase in Radon

deposited on the charcoal

bed per unit of time

Constant Value

Difference in Radon

concentration across where the air meets the charcoal

bed

Area of the hole

=

Top View Side View

• Science of a Radon Canister

• How to fabricate a Radon Canister



• How to measure the amount of Radon in the canister




• Analysis of Canister Results

Data is compiled on a computer

Several calculations are performed:

• Time Calculations (measurement, detector, elapsed time periods)

• Net Count (N)

• Decay Factor (DF)

• Radon Calculation (Rn)

Rn =N

(DF * CF)

Results of Test Canisters are compared to results of Background Canisters

After Analysis is complete, the “used” canisters are recycled for use in other Radon Studies

Data Results are analyzed and conclusions are drawn based on results

Re-testing may need to be performed to confirm findings of levels above 4 pCi/L

After all testing is complete, the “next step” is determined

• Further Radon monitoring

• Mitigation




• Analysis of Canister Results

• How to conduct a School Measurement Project

1) Floor plan of school and select rooms to be tested.

2) Deploy canisters. Record date, time, & location.

3) Retrieve canisters. Record date, time, & and special circumstances.

4) Analyze and use results to determine levels in school.

5) Determine whether mitigation needs to occur or retesting.

If you think that you or your school

would be interested in participating in a Special Radon Study Project, please let

us know.

Contact:

Talytha Moore,

Radon Specialist, RPS

(919) 571-4141

[email protected]

Also available on the web…

www.ncradon.org

Phone: (919) 571-4141 Fax: (919) 571-4148www.ncradon.org

Talytha Moore (Radon Specialist): [email protected]

Felix Fong (State Radon Contact): [email protected]

Lanny Watkins (Radon Specialist): [email protected]

Dale Dusenbury (Env. Rad. Specialist): [email protected]

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