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ncradon

N.C. Radon Program. N.C. Radiation Protection Section Division of Environmental Health DENR. www.ncradon.org. Take in a Deep Breath!. Blow It Out!!!. Dust...Mold Spores...Viruses...Radon...Carbon Dioxide...Oxygen...Germs. Things you just Inhaled!. CAUTION.

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ncradon

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  1. N.C. Radon Program N.C. Radiation Protection Section Division of Environmental Health DENR www.ncradon.org

  2. Take in a Deep Breath!

  3. Blow It Out!!!

  4. Dust...Mold Spores...Viruses...Radon...Carbon Dioxide...Oxygen...Germs... Things you just Inhaled!

  5. CAUTION

  6. What is it?... Where does it come from?...How does it affect me?...How do I prevent it?... Radon

  7. Sources of Radiation in the USA

  8. Typical Annual Radiation Exposure ... 360 mrem/yr

  9. Annual Exposure from Common Activities Smoking RADON 5000 mrem 200 mrem Medical Nuclear Power <0.05 mrem 53 mrem Courtesy of David C Howell, Radiation Safety Officer-Wake Forest University-Baptist Medical Center

  10. Radon is a naturally occurring gas emitted from the earth.

  11. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless,inert,radioactive gas.

  12. It is a naturally occurring gas that enters buildings, homes and the environment from the surrounding soil. RADON GAS RADIUM It comes from the decay of Uranium which decays into Radium and then into Radon gas. URANIUM

  13. Radon is produced in most soil or rock. Therefore, ALL homes have some level of radon... Radon is also found in the outdoor air.

  14. Uranium Decay Chain Uranium Half-life: 5 billion yrs Radium Half-life: 30 seconds Radon-222: Half-life: 3.8 days Bismuth-214, polonium-218 & 214, and lead-214 Half-life: very short (less than 30 minutes)

  15. These decay products account for major portion of radiation dose received in the lungs. Bismuth-214, Polonium-218 & 214, and Lead-214 Half-life: very short (less than 30 minutes)

  16. Alpha Radiation () • Particle released when the nucleus kicks out 2 neutrons and 2 protons • Relatively massive • Relatively slow • Total charge of +2 a Mass number changes by 4 and atomic number changes by 2

  17. b • Beta Radiation () • Particle released when the nucleus changes a neutron into a proton and a beta particle • Relatively small mass • Relatively fast moving • Total charge of -1 P N  Atomic Mass Number remains constant

  18. g • Gamma Radiation () • Pure energy. Released from the nucleus when an alpha or a beta is emitted • No mass • Speed of light • No charge NO CHANGE

  19. Courtesy of David C Howell, Radiation Safety Officer-Wake Forest University-Baptist Medical Center

  20. What is the big deal with these alpha particles?

  21. Plastic chip from passive radon test (alpha track) Magnified only 100 times 3 months at EPA Action Level of 4 pCi/L Alpha Particles Are Strong Enough To Pit Plastic!

  22. What Happens When Radon Decay Products Are Inhaled? • 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

  23. Danger of Radon Radon Exposure is the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer! Image from: //health.allrefer.com/health/cancer-lung-cancer-frontal-chest-x-ray.html

  24. Lung Cancer Risks Due to Radon • Depends largely on: • Quantity of Radon • Amount of time spent in home • Smoker vs Non-Smoker

  25. Risks for Smokers... Source: “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (Fourth Edition)” EPA, 5/2002

  26. Risks for Non-Smokers... Source: “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (Fourth Edition)” EPA, 5/2002

  27. Radon Action Levels...

  28. Radon is a National Problem...

  29. Radon is a North Carolina Problem...

  30. Radon Prevalence in NC Mountains Piedmont Coastal Zone 1: Highest Potential (> 4 pCi/L) Zone 2: Moderate Potential (2-4 pCi/L) Zone 3: Low Potential (< 2 pCi/L)

  31. Now that we know sources of Radon... How Does it get into my Home?

  32. Radon entry depends on... Air movement through soil Also through some building materials (ie. Concrete) that have the potential to contain and emit Radon. Through well water Cracks in foundations

  33. Fight Radon Induced Lung Cancer! Encourage Radon Testing!

  34. Everyone Should Test for Radon! 0.3 pCi/L 4.8 pCi/L 6.8 pCi/L 10.0 pCi/L 1.2 pCi/L 0.5 pCi/L 2.1 pCi/L 1.4 pCi/L

  35. Where can I get a Radon Detection Kit? • Hardware Stores • Internet

  36. How much do Radon Detection Kits cost? Average Costs: Short-Term Kits: $10-$20 Long-Term Kits: $15-$25

  37. Short-Term Testing Devices

  38. Continuous Monitoring Devices

  39. My Results are above 4 pCi/L... What do I do now? 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

  40. What is Radon Mitigation? Method of removing Radon from the home via ventilation through a PVC pipe and out above the roof.

  41. What Does A Mitigation System Do?

  42. Close-up of fan apparatus

  43. What it Looks Like Underneath It All...

  44. Average Costs of Mitigation Home Under Construction: Less than $500

  45. Average Costs of Mitigation Existing Home: $500 - $2000

  46. What is a Certified Radon Mitigator/ Measurement Professional? Measurement and mitigation contractors certified by NEHA or NRSB have been trained and carry ID cards.

  47. Benefits of Having a Home Mitigated? • Decrease the amount of Radon in the home/building • Improved Air Quality • Decreased moisture • Decreased mold and other moisture irritants

  48. Thank you for your attention Any Questions?

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