WHAT IS RADON GAS?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which has always been a part of our environment. It's a natural decay
product of uranium and is found in soil everywhere in varying concentrations. The New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have found that radon can
also be an unwelcome part of our home environment.
Radon gas can accumulate in enclosed places, such as a house, but its presence, even in high concentrations, cannot be
detected by human senses because the gas is invisible and has no odor. Long term or chronic exposure to radon has been
linked to lung cancer. The greater the concentration and the longer a person is exposed, the greater the risk, so all
people are encouraged to reduce their exposure. However, because of its physical characteristics, the only way to
detect the presence of radon gas and measure the level is by a test. So people wanting to limit their exposure must
first conduct a test to determine what their exposure levels are.
In New Jersey, there is a particularly uranium-rich geological formation, called the Reading Prong, which stretches from
Pennsylvania through northwestern New Jersey into Southern New York State. Testing of homes built along this geologic
formation has revealed high indoor levels of radon gas. Further testing in New Jersey, beyond the Reading Prong area,
has shown additional areas where homes have elevated radon levels. This has led the DEP to conclude that radon is a
statewide health issue. All homeowners are encouraged to test and, if levels are elevated, residents are urged to
consider remediation.
Radon can move easily through soil and tiny cracks in rock. When it reaches the surface of the soil, it disperses and is
diluted to very low levels in the outdoor environment. However, when the gas moves upward through soil beneath a home,
it may enter through cracks or other openings in the foundation and build up to unacceptable levels.
Slight differences between indoor and outdoor pressure can affect the rate at which radon enters the home. Reduced
indoor pressure draws the gas through any cracks and openings. This lower indoor pressure may be caused by open
windows on the downwind side of the house, operation of kitchen or exhaust fans, and the use of air by furnaces and
other large appliances. The fact that air in a house is often warmer than the surrounding air and tends to rise can also
cause reduced indoor pressure. Another means of entrance for the gas is water supplies, particularly underground wells.
However, the levels in water supplies in New Jersey are usually not high enough to present a significant risk by
themselves. Also, public water supplies usually undergo a great amount of agitation and aeration during treatment, which
releases the radon gas before it reaches any residence.
The higher the levels of radon gas in a home, the greater the amount inhaled. Just as radon is produced from the decay
of radioactive materials, it further decays producing new radioactive materials in the form of solids. These radon decay
products can attach to other particles, such as dust and cigarette smoke, which can be inhaled and become trapped in
the lungs where they emit radiation. These decay products can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing
lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer from a given exposure to radon is greater for a smoker than a non-smoker.
Lung cancer is the only known health effect linked to radon exposure at this time. The EPA estimates that between
15,000 and 22,000 of the 125,000 annual deaths from lung cancer may be attributable to radon exposure. In New
Jersey, of the annual 4,700 lung cancer deaths, as many as 140-250 may be associated with radon exposure. These
estimates of cancer risk from radon exposure are less than those caused by smoking, but are far greater than the
number of cancers estimated to occur as a result of exposure to other environmental hazards, such as toxic chemicals in
drinking water or pesticide residues on food.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO TEST FOR RADON GAS?
JFM has on staff a Radon Measurement Specialist and a Radon Measurement Technician. Both are licensed to measure
your home for radon gas. We conduct what is referred to as a short term test (long term testing is available). Our
testing equipment will be positioned in your home for 2 to 7 days. Once the test is complete, we will have your results
within a few days of retrieving the test equipment. In emergency situations, we can have you radon gas results within a
day for an increased testing fee. Our standard fee for radon gas testing is $145.00 For more information, you can
contact any inspector from JFM or Email us at mdostillio@jfminspections.com.
The information stated above is provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is available at
www.state.nj.us/dep.