- Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can only be detected by a device designed to detect it.
- Exposure to Radon increases your chances of developing lung cancer.
- Radon is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer. Smoking is number one.
- Those that smoke and are also exposed to Radon are 7 times more likely to get lung cancer than those not exposed to radon.
- Pennsylvania has the third highest recorded average for Radon of all the 50 States.
- Some of the worst counties for Radon in PA include Lancaster, Chester, York, and Dauphin.
- More than 60% of homes, without mitigation systems, that were tested in Lancaster County PA exceeded the EPA’s recommended Radon level of 4 picocuries per liter of air.
- Constant exposure to just 4 Picocuries of Radon is the equivalent radiation exposure of 200 chest x-rays in a single year or smoking 8 cigarettes a day.
- Constant exposure to 8 picocuries of Radon is the equivalent radiation exposure of 400 chest x-rays in a single year or smoking 16 cigarettes a day.
- Homes without mitigation systems tested for Radon in Lancaster County, averaged more than 8 picocuries.
- Just because you have a Radon mitigation system and the manometer tube shows the Radon fan is running does not mean that your home has low levels of Radon. Only periodic testing can prove that the home is still safe. The manometer only indicates if the radon fan is operating or not.
- Usually, a properly installed Radon mitigation system can lower the Radon levels in a home below the EPA threshold of 4 Picocuries. Less is always better.
- Many times a Radon system can be installed in a single day, depending on the complexity of the system.
- EPA recommends that all homes be tested or retested every 2 years to verify Radon levels are safe.
- Home fires in the USA kill about 2800 people a year and yet we put smoke detectors in almost every home. Radon induced lung cancer kills more than 21,000 people a year and many thousands more are treated for lung cancer and survive.
- Radon induced lung cancer is 100% preventable with a properly working mitigation system.