The Immense Hazards Caused by Vapor Intrusion

You may not know what vapor intrusion is and what it means but I will cover all that in this article. Vapor intrusion is a toxic chemical that migrates through soil gas or water and contaminates the air which can make people ill. In this article you will learn what vapor intrusion really is along with related topics. 

Let's start off with mitigation and how it can prevent another natural disaster. Mitigation provides useful assistance to help whoever plans for the next disaster to come. When vapor intrusion occurs they are there to help. With different programs that work with the mitigation plan can help prevent future chemical pollution. 

Another issue is soil gas which are toxins in the soil. Sometimes those air pockets can release carbon dioxide. The oxygen will allow for respiration to the plant roots and soil organism. The soil gas that is underneath buildings that contain vapor intrusion is very hazardous. It is a concerning matter when the soil gas is contained with radon and methane gases. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that causes cancer to many people because of vapor intrusion. This gas is odorless, tasteless, and you cannot see it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this generation. This gas is found generally in schools and layered buildings. Radon can be released by vapor intrusion underneath building which occupants will inhale the gases. Treating this method would be done by remediation as they are concerned about the environment and human health.

Remediation is known for cleaning up any hazardous materials and treating chemicals or toxic spills when vapor intrusion occurs. There are many ways remediation cleans up contaminated area. They make sure to remove and treat any area. Remediation reduces any vapor intrusion from happening in the future. 

Vapor intrusion has been a serious matter for a long time now and with newer technology they are able to control these situations. Scientists have figured out how to treat the matter and preventing the next disaster to happen. Anything to help human health mitigation is there. Vapor intrusion is becoming less of an issue but they are still working very hard to take care of all hazardous materials and toxic substances. 

There is an extraction system that provides and prevents vapor intrusion. The majority of vapor intrusion occurs when contaminants are released in to the air. The extraction system diminishes all contaminants and can provide services to different building types. This method is very effective and reduces any gases or chemicals to reoccur. The extraction system is designed to prevent vapor intrusion and to treat the area that is contaminated. 

Although there is a lot more to cover and more details on the subject, You can do some research about vapor intrusion and the extraction system. Just type queries in your search engine and review the results. There are a lot of resources out there to answer any questions you might have on vapor intrusion. These people strive for human health and to prevent hazardous chemicals polluting our air. Just remember if you hear anything about vapor intrusion or a chemical spill, there is help to call.

How Tobacco Causes Cancer

Cancer in the lungs from smoking and radon

Tobacco is one of the things that sadly are still used by too many members of our society. It is one of the items that cause cancer. Even though levels of smoking have steadily decreased, smoking related deaths continue to occur. Radon is one of the elements that naturally occurs in the environment and may contribute to carcinogens in cancer.

There are a number of things that are known carcinogens and tobacco is one of them, radon is another. Radon is one of the elements you need to understand it is just here in the ground, and the radioactivity is in the soil. In addition, unfortunately, there are over 7,000 chemicals that are involved in cancer production. Some of the more common chemical additives are listed here: Cyanide, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Methanol, Acetylene, and Ammonia.

These are all additives that are put into tobacco. Most probably the fact that tobacco causes cancer is due to the additives that are put in the cigars during the processing of the material. Some of the items that are put in cigars include the above. Radon is the gas that can cause cancer. As mentioned, there are way too many chemicals that are added to tobacco products and may contribute to cancer rates.

Tobacco in itself absorbs radiation from the ground so it has some cancer issues within itself. It is just one of the products that no one needs although it has been used for centuries in various forms. The variety and type of tobacco is not important it all causes cancer.

This is the information t you will find when doing research on tobacco products. These are the harmful products that have a wide variety carcinogens added. These are the important pieces of information that need to be understood when looking at the causal link between smoking and cancer. They are well linked.

Tobacco in and of itself is carcinogenic as small parts of radioactive materials are found in the soil. This is what makes it carcinogenic as well. Radioactive particles build up in the lungs over time. This is what may cause cancers to form. Likewise, some people have a problem with radon which is a natural element in the soil and is responsible for 14,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon an odorless and colorless gas is one of the naturally occurring elements in nature consequently those who smoke and also are exposed to radon have a huge risk and may develop cancer in their lifetime. It is one of the elements that you need to test for in your home. The combination of radon and smoking is one of the well linked cancer causes in the world.

It would behoove everyone to stay away from tobacco and especially if they are uncertain whether or not they may have other problems emanating from the soil. Make sure to get the radon testing done you need. It is one of the many options that you need to take advantage of and use to keep your family safe in a world that has naturally and artificially induced dangers.

The Most Common Causes of Cancer for Middle-Age Women

Female Health

Why Radon Should Be Considered As a Cancer Risk to Women

It takes women by surprise. Cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses that a lady can receive. There are many different types of cancer, but radon is one of the most common causes of this disease that most people don't even consider. Sure, breast, uterine and other forms of cancer take center stage, but radon should also be a huge consideration in what actually fed the cancerous cells.

Because radon is an odorless radioactive gas, a woman may not even know that the area that she is in is problematic. The outside area has low levels that are naturally in the air. This is due in part to the fact that rotting of elements like thorium and uranium. This takes place in the soil. This gas has no odor, no taste and is completely invisible. Yet, it is able to seep through the ground and into the homes of those that live in geographical locations with high activity. Women are susceptible to this type of gas, and it is known to cause cancer.

Radon causes lung cancer. This is because it is breathed into the body and lodges into the lungs. Here the gas lodges and causes cancerous cells to mutate. Radon can come from a well that supplies the home with water, or it is especially known to be in homes that have a basement structure. The basement is close to the ground and it is easier to absorb these mineral gases through the floors.

Studies in women and men have shown that nearly 20,000 die each year due to radon exposure. Though the cancer can spread to other areas, women may not find the root cause from the lungs. This is why so many women say that they have lung cancer but never smoked a day in their lives. It is not because of cigarette smoke, but rather the radon gasses they have inhaled and haven't known about.

There is a way for women to reduce their risk and their families by doing testing on their home. Some areas tend to be a little more prone to higher levels than others. This is nothing that someone did or didn't do, but rather caused from the contents deep within the area of the earth they live on. Public awareness is the key to helping women become aware of the risk of radon cancer, and take preventative measures.

It is dangerous because you can't see it or taste it, but it can still be lurking inside the home and causing destruction within the human body. There are several people who will pass from cancer and never know what the root cause was. The EPA is helping to devise plans to increase awareness about this deadly gas. While the news brings a great deal of attention to breast, pancreatic and lung cancers, not very many discuss the root causes of these diseases that can be prevented.

It is imperative to check the home for radon. It doesn't matter if it is a new home, one that is 100 years old, or even one that is out in the country by itself. It's the ground that matters and what's deep in the earth can be deadly for women, men, and children alike.

The Radioactive Contamination Epidemic Fracking Has Caused

Natural Gas Drilling Rigs

Introduction to Natural Gas and Radon

The process of fracking, or Hydraulic fracturing, is a way of releasing natural gas or oil from inside the Earth by drilling and then injecting very high pressure fluid into the well, deep underground to fracture shale rock, releasing the natural gas or oil. Fracking can also be used to recover crude oil petroleum, and even to release geothermal energy from very deep sources. Currently, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have energy companies that practice fracking as part of their energy production strategies.

History

The first operational and economically successful natural gas fracking well was drilled in 1950. The fracking process was experimented with as early as 1947. Over 2.5 million fracking sites had been created, worldwide, for natural gas and oil wells by the year 2012, at least a million sites in the U.S. alone.

Process

The fracking process is complex and requires some fairly advanced science to be applied carefully in order to succeed with desired results. The fracking liquid is a specific mix of water, sand, and some proprietary chemicals. It is injected into the bore of a well, usually at least a few hundred feet down, creating overwhelming pressure that causes shale rock layers to shatter. Once the shale rock is broken, it releases natural gas or petroleum back to the surface. When the high-pressure fluid is removed from the well opening, tiny clusters of the fracturing components, usually sand or aluminum oxide stays to keep the network of subterranean fractures open in the shale.

Fracking engineers study the well bore's sides to determine many characteristics particular to each fracking site. The depth level, rock density, and orientation of stress fractures are used to infer the dimensions of shale-holding natural gas sources. Seismology is employed to study micro seismic events, or tiny earthquakes, caused by the hydraulic pressure to map the height and width of a fracturing site. These micro-earthquakes have a very small magnitude level, too small to be detected at the surface, but are crucial to charting accurate maps of each site.

Controversy

Fracking is a controversial practice that proponents claim benefits the economy too significantly to be stopped by its many negative side effects. They say fracking produces the extremely valuable natural gas and oil needed to make our industries strong. Opponents to fracking disagree, claiming that the impacts on the environment counter any benefits. These impacts include contaminated ground water, radon air pollution, ground surface pollution, and over-depletion of fresh water. They say all these hazards to the environment combined with threats to public health are reasons enough to ban fracking for natural gas. They also claim damaging seismic activity has taken place because of fracking's effects on once unknown tectonic fault lines.

Another related issue in fracking, is the brine solution recovered at the surface of fracking wells, sometimes contains the radioactive minerals radon, radium, uranium, and thorium. Animals and humans exposed to the radiation experience long-term effects on health. Radon in particular is well known to cause lung cancer in humans. The issue of radon is exacerbated because it is somewhat soluble in water, thus spreading the areas of contamination at the surface.

Radon Resistant New Construction

Passive Radon System in New Home

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that is also invisible. Radon can only be detected by using proper equipment. The decay of radium in the soil causes radon. Radon is considered a radioactive noble gas. Chronic exposure to high radon levels has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer. This is why radon testing is so crucial. There are certain techniques that are used efficiently to reduce radon such as radon testing. Radon can be reduced this is why it is important to have radon testing in homes and when building a new house. Radon testing is affordable and should be done to ensure the safety of you and your family.

When building a house there are rules and special protocols that must be constructed to build a new home. Radon testing is a requirement. When building a new home it is crucial to make sure that soil entry points are sealed. Radon must be vented outdoors. There is a passive radon system that does not require fans or energy to move the gas in the air. By reducing soil gas and placing piping to allow proper ventilation so the harmful gas dos not accumulate. A vertical pipe connects to a t-shaped pipe in the slab and it also connects to a vent. This vent can run through the roof to allow ventilation of radon and other harmful gases safely. The pipe is usually ran about twelve inches above the roof. This is called a passive radon system.

Radon resistant new construction has been receiving more attention from the federal and state agencies. This is because radon resistant new construction refers to process of constructing a home for future radon systems to be placed. Radon resistant new construction allows contractors to place in radon systems before the slab is even poured. The radon resistant new construction helps to save lives by reducing radon within homes. Radon resistant new construction is updating their standards with the EPA.

A passive radon system can be installed by a professional. They also guarantee that a passive radon system will reduce radon levels within a home. If a pipe is not properly installed then a passive radon system will not work properly. This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional. All installers must follow EPA radon guidelines when installing a passive radon system.

Radon mitigation is the process of getting rid of radon gases. The first step to radon mitigation is to test and see if the radon levels need to be reduced. Ventilation is a form of radon mitigation. Radon mitigation can also test water supplies for contamination. Kits for radon mitigation are available but it is ideal to let professionals handle any concerns you may have.

According to the World Health Organization Radon Program, systems can be either passive or an active. Active radon mitigation consists of four elements. If you have an active radon mitigation system it is a good idea to have a professional test your home periodically. Active radon mitigation uses a blower that constantly pulls out air. A monitor verifies proper ventilation in active radon mitigation. To bring down radon levels have a passive or active radon mitigation installed.

Radon Levels in Caves Could be Hazardous

Radon Levels in Caves

Uranium can be detected on earth as far back as six billion years ago. While it is one of the heaviest metals its structure does not allow it to penetrate the earth's crust, so it remains on the surface. Radon naturally occurs when uranium decays and turns into an odorless and colorless gas that is released into the air. Radon is one of the heaviest metals that remain a gas under normal environmental circumstances. Naturally-occurring radiation is responsible for over 50% of the earth’s heat, even though it is crucial in providing a large proportion of the world’s electricity, it does have fatal side effects. 

Normally, radon levels in natural environments, such as caves, are very low because the gas escapes into the air. This process is inhibited when the radon is trapped inside of caves, allowing levels to rise to a dangerous point. Because they are rich in uranium ore, caves are littered with fragmented pockets that disperse this gas and raising radon to deadly levels. When caves are located near silicic volcanic rocks or areas frequented by earthquakes, they have naturally occurring higher levels of radon gas. 

With a lack of ventilation, long term exposure to high levels of radon in caves can be deadly. This health hazard was discovered in the 1940’s and 50’s during peak production times in mines, not only with uranium but other hard rock materials as well. These miners had significantly higher incidences of lung cancer deaths which led to improved ventilation in the mines in an attempt at lowering radon gas levels. Many countries have done studies to determine the possible health hazards of exposure to high levels of radon in caves. The U.S. participated in these tests due to concern for some of the highest levels of radon occurring through the middle and upper parts of Northern America. 

Collection of data was done over a period of a year to determine how weather factors into changing levels of radon in caves. Scientists recorded daily and seasonal climatic changes and their effects on the radon levels inside the caves. What they found was that levels were lower in winter and higher in summer, suggesting that higher temperatures did not allow radon gas to dissipate quickly. The results also indicated that winds also play a role in lowering radon gas levels. In the summer when there is little circulation in the air, the temperature inside the caves is uniform. During the winter when the air blows directly into the caves it lowers the temperature inside thereby, lowering radon levels. This natural ventilation also occurs during heavy rainfall periods.

During these experiments, various techniques were used to collect radon gas; from simple cups with filters to sputum collection from national park employees. In addition, they tested caves with large bat populations because these areas are known to have low to medium levels of radon. In the end, the results were the same - although somewhat inconclusive. As the studies done decades ago had indicated, long term exposure to radon in caves is detrimental to one’s health. However the fluctuating seasonal data for short term excursion into caves had too many factors to determine an exact impact this, in part, is due to the fact that radon has a half life of only 4 days.

How Radiation Causes Cancer

Radiation and the Cancer Process

This day and age there are many people that are concerned with radiation. Radiation has been in the news for many different reasons. Some types of radiation are used to kill and to treat different types of cancer while other types of radiation are actually the causes of different types of cancer. It is interesting to note that radiation can be both a positive and negative things when it comes to cancer and a person really does well to investigate radiation to find out how they can improve or minimize their risk of getting this potentially fatal disease through the different types of radiation.

 X-rays, Gamma Rays and Their Roles in Cancer:

Both x-ray and Gamma rays can come from an organic source in our earth. Our world is surrounded by different radioactive elements but radioactive elements can also be human made as well. When it comes to things such as Gamma rays and x-rays they were both created by humans and they give off nuclear energy. These types of rays are made in nuclear power plants. When these types of rays go through the cell in the human body they can cause the cells to change or to mutate. Quite often, these mutated cells will eventually expire on their own and cause no damage to the body. Other times the same cells can mutate and that mutation can lead to cancer. The reason that many people want to avoid these types of x-rays is because they do not want to do anything that would potentially increase their risk of developing cancer.

 Medical Radiation

Many cancer patients will use radiation therapy as a way to treat their cancer. When a person does receive this type of therapy they get high doses of ionizing radiation. This type of body radiation is used to go straight to the cancerous cells in order to cause their demise. At the same time this type of radiation therapy can cause different changes or mutations in other cells of the human body and then turn it can actually cause a person to develop a different type of cancer.

 Natural Sources

Natural radiation radon is a type of natural radiation. Radon is a type of gas that cannot be seen and has no smell and it is made up of a breakdown of different radioactive chemicals that are found on the earth. These natural elements can be found in things such as soil and rocks. Radon gas has been cited as the most frequent cause of environmental cancers by worldwide health organizations.

 Radiation and You

In reality it is virtually impossible to escape radiation completely. At some point in life every human being is going to have to be exposed to a certain level of radiation when it comes to testing, or their natural environment. In reality the best thing that people can do is try their best to lead healthy lifestyles, and of course get early prevention checks for cancer. While no one wants to get cancer there are many innovating tests that being done, and also there are many lifestyle changes that a person can make in order to lower their risk of getting cancer.

Mitigating Radon From Crawl Spaces

Crawl Spaces: Major Radon Infiltration Areas

When you are worried about radon in your home, you need to make sure that you get a system installed to help mitigate the radon. There are many times when you find radon in crawl space areas, and you need to be sure you have installed the right kind of removal system. We can help you with the radon emanating crawl space areas, and we can install a system that is going to help you remain safe.

Let’s discuss radon measurements for homes with crawl spaces:

When we put the radon detectors above crawl space areas, we are going to connect them to an alarm that is going to go off when levels of the gas exceed the national limit. Also, we are going to make sure that the alarm is going to catch your notice. The presence of radon is going to be detected immediately, and will determine that crawl space mitigation is warranted to prevent radon-induced lung cancer.

 Radon removal systems for crawl spaces:

The remediation system that we put in is going to mitigate the radon from the crawl space area, and it is going to make it much easier for you to keep the space healthy. A suction fan will be installed in line with a PVC pipe to extract the radon vapors from below a polyethylene shield. The radon mitigation system becomes a permanent fixture within the crawl space to continuously vent the gasses away from living spaces. Our system lowers the radon levels to nearly zero, which helps to protect the health of you and your family members.

 Ongoing monitoring:

If you want to have the system monitored by a service center, we can have someone checking on the radon levels at frequent intervals. When they get too high, we can take action to further reduce them. Radon in crawl space areas is a major threat and if you refuse to deal with it, anyone who goes down there is in danger. In many cases, elevated radon levels in crawl spaces can create a radon problem in living space above, so mitigating is always in your best interest. 

When you want to get the system installed to remove radon from crawl space areas, we can help you by designing an effective system to actively draw the gas away from the structure. We can help to mitigate radon in crawl space areas using the most effective methods available, and we will make sure that you are happy with the work we have done. When you are concerned about the radon in your crawl space, we can help. Our crawl space radon mitigation systems correct the problem quickly, effectively, and permanently!

Types of Lung Cancers Triggered by Radon Gas

Radon-Induced Carcinoma: The In-Depth Perspective

Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers. As the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, it kills more than 150,000 people in America every year, roughly one American every three and a half minutes. The incidence of radon induced lung cancer is also increasing at one-half a percent each year worldwide.

For now, about 171,841 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed yearly in the United States and more than one million worldwide. Overall, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 28 percent of all cancer-related deaths, more than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Why is Lung Cancer from Radon so Deadly?

Lung cancer is deadly because it is usually in advanced stages by the time physicians can diagnose it. Thus, the number of yearly deaths nearly equals the yearly diagnoses rate. Overall, more than 70 percent of lung tumors are diagnosed only when they have grown very large or metastasized. However, lung cancer is potentially curable if diagnosed early.

The Science of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when normal lung cells change and begin to divide uncontrollably. Like almost all of the body's cells, lung cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed for proper functioning. If cells begin to grow when they are not needed, they form a mass of extra cells that, in turn, form tumors.

Types of Lung Cancers

The two general classifications for radon induced lung cancer are small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The most common form is non-small cell cancer, which accounts for about 80 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. This type tends to grow and spread more slowly. Non-small cell cancer is usually broken down into three types and named after the kind of cells involved:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma- thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracks. Approximately 30 to 35 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses are squamous cell carcinomas and are found near a bronchus.
• Adenocarcinoma- This type of radon-triggered cancer begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular properties. Usually found in the lung's outer region, it is the most common of the lung cancers found in women and accounts for approximately 40 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses.
• Large Cell Carcinoma- This form of cancer forms large cells and they look abnormal when viewed under a microscope. Large cell carcinoma may form in almost any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly and, as a result, has poor prognosis. Large cell carcinoma accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers arising from radon exposure.

Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20 percent of all diagnoses. It is considered the most aggressive type of lung cancer because it spreads quickly and widely throughout the body. Small cell lung cancer is also known as oat cell carcinoma and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma. It often begins in the bronchi near the center of the lungs.

In summary, lung cancers are some of the most devastating illnesses out there. One proactive measure that you can take to avoid the affliction is to test your office and household for radon gas. Being the second most common trigger of lung cancers, it makes good sense to detect and correct this issue before the health implications arise.

The Radioactive Gas Known as Radon

Danger is a thing associated with things away from the home. Radon is one of those exceptions. It is a slow killer and causes health problems that bring about the demise of millions. This radioactive gas is a natural component of the soil and seeps into almost every home in the United States. Radioactive gas levels below 4pCi/L present problems but can be abated. Radon abatement to below this threshold is much safer. Radon test research shows that one in sixteen residents show difficulties with radioactive gas levels. Radon mitigation will eradicate a large percentage of this radioactive gas, as much as 99%. There is no reason to suffer this invasive problem. 

Radioactive gas reduction is not only important in homes but in schools and in businesses. People are especially susceptible to this radioactive gas at home. This natural breakdown of uranium embedded in the soil seeps out. Houses constructed close to the ground are more accessible to radon infiltration. Homes built without basements are better able to vent this radioactive gas. Radioactive gas testing can reveal this toxic gas and aid in radioactive gas mitigation. The radioactive gas division of the CDC offers the public information and recommendations for radon testing and removal.

Radioactive gas is not detectable through normal avenues. It cannot be smelled and is not visible to the naked eye. Radon abatement is best done by professionals but there are DIY home kits available. The EPA has placed guidelines for consumers and home construction experts to follow. Radioactive gas testing detects radon levels and the World Health Organization offers suggestions on how to bring down the concentrations of radon.

Radioactive gas remediation is done through home basement vents and fans strategically placed in crawl spaces. Professional radon reduction methods provide sophisticated post-treatment testing methods and it is recommended to follow up test every couple of years to assure toxic radioactive gas stays at safe levels. Radioactive gas testing is not expensive and can help prevent tumors and other health issues. Tumors are growths on the body and some can become cancerous. Stimulated growths by radioactive gas may cause lung cancer and other diseases. Performing radon tests can keep a home free of toxic radioactive gasses and help avoid the tragic consequences of being exposed to radiation.

The idea of indoor radiation for many people is something belonging to atomic spills or science fiction movies; not their home. No one wants to imagine sleeping with this kind of toxin day in and day out. Eating dinner and watching television with an enemy that can destroy their serenity. This is why radon mitigation is so important, so homeowners will not have to worry about the radioactive gas. Sitting in a hospital with a loved one with any illness is devastating but when it might have been prevented, it is unbearable.

Radon tests are affordable for any homeowners. The reduction of radioactive gas through testing and abatement may prevent the chance of small cell lung cancer and tumors. Surely, this is not the only cause of these problems but radon reduction in the home is one safeguard each individual homeowner can take. Radioactive gas mitigation is another way of improving the environment for all families, one home at a time. 

Relevant Published Radon Studies

Everyone knows that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. What most people do not know, however, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country. If forced to guess, many people might select asbestos contamination, due to the large number of asbestos-related ads placed by law firms on late-night television. They would be wrong, however. Instead, studies have shown that exposure to radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.

In many instances, people have never even heard of radon gas or suppose that it is some sort of industrial effluvium that affects specialized populations such as miners. However, radon gas exposure is actually found in many homes across the country, and is especially concentrated in certain regions of the nation such as Colorado. This does not mean that radon is not a problem elsewhere—just that it is a larger problem in those areas where it is especially prevalent.

Radon and its so-called daughters are found everywhere on earth, but concentration levels are low in outdoor areas due to constant air movements. Inside, however, radon levels elevate due to the confined nature of air movements inside most homes. Without an opportunity to disperse naturally, radon levels rise to the point where they become an increasing risk as they become ever more present in the environment.

One European study examined radon levels in 9 different EU-area nations and found that the average level of radon present in the homes of control group participants was approximately 97 Becquerel per square meter whereas the average level in homes of study participants found to have some sign of lung cancer was 104 Becquerel. While this showed how relatively small increases in radon levels can have an effect on health, the truly alarming results were found in homes with increasingly higher levels of exposure.

A series of American studies that looked at homes in Missouri, Idaho, New Jersey, Utah, and Iowa found basically the same thing—namely, that lung cancer rates rose in direct correlation with rising levels of radon gas in the home. In all of these radon studies, the rate of lung cancers kept rising as the radon levels rose. No ceiling to the relationship was uncovered, which is to say that at no level of radon exposure did the lung cancer rate finally level off to the point where it did not continue to rise. The radon gas study published by the US EPA is especially alarming.

In general, lung cancers rose at a rate of about 8 percent over the otherwise expected lifetime rate for every 16 percent rise in radon gas exposure rates. Of course these rates are much less alarming when viewed as a totality of population rather than as observable laboratory incidents. Since the lung cancer death rate for people who have lived to their mid-70s and not died of something else is less than one percent for non-smokers and about 10 percent for those who do smoke, the rises due to radon gas reach to a level of about 16 percent for smokers and still well under one percent for non-smokers in heavy-radon home environments over 400 Becquerel per square meter.

The disparity in these two rates reveals that radon might be the number two cause of lung cancer, but it is an impossibly long way from challenging for the number one spot held by smoking. In addition, radon testing can lead to relatively simple radon reduction methods that will drop the overall home exposure without requiring any exertion of willpower or change in human behavior on the part of the residents.

Radon's Relationship to Cancer

Types of Cancer and How Radon Contributes to Contraction

Cancer: It's a reality we don't like to think about. However, approximately 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. By understanding the common types, you can take steps to minimize your risk.

Radon Link to Lung and Bronchus Cancer
Most understand the link between smoking and lung and bronchus cancer. However, there is a hidden danger you may be exposed to without even knowing it. Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, may be present in your home. 
Most radon exposure occurs indoors, and elevated radon levels have been identified in every state. When radon decays, it becomes radon progeny, which attaches to dust and can be easily breathed in. To avoid the development of lung and bronchus cancer due to radon exposure, having a professional radon-testing company to test your home is the best step.

Prostate Cancer
Approximately one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 27,540 die annually as a result. On the plus side, most men are able to survive prostate cancer. Regular checkups are the key to early prevention. Although there are limited studies that link radon exposure to this type of cancer, most scientists agree that exposure to radiation (which is what radon gas is) will increase the risk of acquiring many forms of cancer.

Breast Cancer
Men and women both should be aware of breast cancer as it affects both sexes. Signs that breast cancer may be developing include:

• Change in the feel of the nipple

• Discharge

• Presence of a lump

Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer both share many of the same symptoms and often begin as a polyp. These growths in the colon or rectum do not always turn cancerous, but those experiencing rectal bleeding should have colon and rectal cancer screening performed.

Bladder Cancer
If you have noticed blood in your urine, you are exhibiting the most common sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer causes approximately 16,000 deaths in the US annually, so symptoms should be taken seriously. Radon within a home's water supply can increase the risk of bladder cancer by causing genetic mutations within cells of the digestive organs.

Melanoma Skin Cancer
Early-stage melanoma skin cancer is easily treated, so early detection is essential. Those suffering with melanoma skin cancer have various treatment options including:

• Surgery

• Immunotherapy

• Chemotherapy

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the immune system, and it can be confused with Hodgkin lymphoma. If you are have swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fatigue, weight loss and fever, ruling out Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is important.

Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer, which occurs in the neck, comes in various forms. However, they share similar symptoms including a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, and throat pain. Thyroid cancer treatment can be highly effective when detected early.

Kidney, Renal Cell, and Renal Pelvis Cancer
Kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer are synonymous, and 61,560 new cases are diagnosed annually. Those at a higher risk of the development of kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer include smokers and those who are overweight. These illnesses can be prevented by testing the local water supply for radon and curing the problem if it exists via a aeration mitigation system.

Endometrial Cancer
Beginning in the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer affects approximately 650,000 women annually. Those particularly susceptible of development of endometrial cancer include women who have never been pregnant and those who have had more years of menstruation.

Leukemia
Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, comes in many forms. The white blood cells prevent infection, but those suffering with leukemia have deformities in these cells, so infections can turn deadly. Treatment options vary and are dependent on factors such as age and the type of leukemia cells found. Although scientific studies are still in the works to identify the definitive link between indoor radon exposure and leukemia, the risk of getting the disease is reduced as exposure to environmental radiation (such as radon gas) is minimized.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more common than many realize, and symptoms can start off as subtle. If you are experiencing continual bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and pale-colored stools, schedules an examination to rule out pancreatic cancer. Limiting ingestion of radioactive particles from well and municipal water supplies can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer which makes testing for radon in drinking water of utmost importance.
In summary, there are many forms of cancer that we as humans are susceptible to contracting. By making efforts to live a "safe" lifestyle, eat a healthy foods, and limit exposure to radon gas; we can all minimize the risks of acquiring many of these forms of cancers.

Commercial Radon Mitigation

In recent years, the commercial radon mitigation industry has experienced a discernible growth in business. While radon testing and mitigation is often associated with residential real estate transactions, radon is also present in commercial and public buildings of all sizes. When an industrial warehouse building is determined to need radon mitigation work, a commercial radon mitigation specialist is needed to reduce the levels of the harmful gas. A commercial radon mitigation specialist might be doing radon testing at an office building or condominium one day, then installing an exterior active soil depressurization system the next.

Radon testing can be done with either a short-term test or a long-term test. A short-term test generally involves using a testing device for approximately 2 to 90 days and a long-term test requires at least 90 days of testing time. Although many of the same principles and techniques used in residential radon reduction are utilized in commercial radon mitigation, radon mitigation specialists need to be knowledgeable concerning commercial construction designs and building codes. Commercial mitigation professionals regularly strive to maintain the existing exterior appearance and integrity of every building they work on. Fortunately, most radon mitigation systems are not clearly visible on building exteriors.

Reducing the concentrations of radon in multifamily houses and apartment complex buildings that contain multiple apartments can be complex and challenging work for commercial radon mitigation workers. Schools and day care centers are sometimes found to contain high levels of radon. In schools and day care centers that were built many years ago, the concentrations of radon can sometimes be at very high levels. When this happens, the students and staff members often have to be moved to other locations while commercial radon mitigation personnel work to reduce the radon levels. As with other structures that contain lots of rooms, such as apartment complex buildings with many apartments, schools and day care centers can pose a challenge for commercial radon mitigation professionals. In large structures, including industrial warehouse buildings, the levels of radon can vary from room to room.

When commercial radon specialists perform radon testing and mitigation work in these buildings, the process can sometimes be done quickly, or it can last for extended periods of time. Whether it is at an office building, warehouse, condominium or multifamily house, commercial radon mitigation workers regularly perform a valuable service. The field of commercial radon testing and radon mitigation is consistently growing. When real estate transactions occur, there is always a need for these types of workers.

Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas that normally comes from the soil where certain matters have decayed and gotten into the soil. A structure is then built on top of this soil and can cause an unsafe environment. Radon can creep into structures through ventilation and cracks in the surface of the structure. Once radon enters a building it most likely will become trapped. After this occurs, the only way to determine the levels of radon is to perform Radon Testing. You can purchase a commercial Radon Testing kit or you can call in a professional Radon Testing Team to do this for you.

Radon Testing has become a very important thing across the United States and many other parts of the world. Radon is very dangerous and can occur in the air or in the water. Radon Testing can be performed by a professional or just an average individual. If the levels of radon in the air prove to be too high, then Radon Mitigation will be needed to reduce the levels present in a building. Radon Mitigation is where the levels of radon are collected from the air beneath the surface and the ventilation is increased. There are also ways to remove radon out of the water, but this procedure is a little more intense. A Radon Testing kit can be purchased at your local hardware store. It is a Radon Testing unit that is similar to a charcoal canister that constantly monitors and records the amount of radon present. This Radon Testing unit is self maintained, you just place it in a corner somewhere and let it do its thing. It records the amount of radon detected daily for the 90 days you perform your Radon Testing then you take the average and this will give you a ball park number of the amount of radon your home contains.

No amount of radon is safe, but because it is impossible to remove all of the radon in certain areas, the U.S. has put standards on it. If a building or structure is said to have more than 4 measured units of radon, it is said to be unsafe. Two units is the ideal amount of radon that can be present and still be considered safe, but in certain locations, reading 3.9 or less is acceptable. Radon Testing should be performed at least twice, to ensure that the conditions were the same throughout both test sessions, radon levels can fluctuate daily based on wind conditions as well as a difference in ventilation. A typical Radon Testing is ideally 90 days; this is considered a short term test to see if the radon level is unsafe. A long term Radon Testing would be performed for one year to get a better idea of true radon levels, but if you do not have that much time, a short term Radon Testing will work. If, in fact, the radon level is over 4 units, proper procedures must be taken to reduce the levels. Radon testing is essential because you cannot see radon, but you breathe it. High amounts of radon will break down the lungs and most likely cause lung cancer, leading to possible death; this is why Radon Testing is so important.

Radon gets into the soil, which gets into the water. Radon testing for the water would have to consist of a water sample that would require being sent off to the proper laboratory for testing. Radon Testing is recommended whenever moving to a new location. Ideally it should be performed by the landlord or owner, but can also be performed by the tenant or buyer to protect them.

Radon in Water

Here are five of the usual questions asked about radon in water:

1) - What is Radon?
2) - Is there really radon in my water?
3) - Why is radon in water that I drink a health concern?
4) - What levels of radon should I be concerned about?
5) - What is the procedure in testing for radon in water?
6) - I receive my public water from a supplier, so how will any new EPA regulations affect me?

Radon is an equal opportunity annoyer and wannabe killer, and easily slides into your life without even knowing about it because it has NO odor, color, or taste. And most times it sneaks into your life from the ground as well as the air you breathe. However, water is this sneaky thief's chosen approach. As mentioned radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in water from underground sources such as ground water and wells. Ergo, radon in water is your companion in the shower, washing dishes, cooking, and in the air inside your property.

Radon in water is similar to those soft drinks most of the younger generation love, yet, even after you open a can or bottle to the open air, some radon will still remain in the water. The good news about radon in water is that if you have some concern you should not needlessly worry about any radon in water if it comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This form of radon in water is called "surface water" because the radon is released into the air before it ever arrives in the form of a bottle or can.

Answering the earlier questions, not all drinking water contains radon. Your only concern is if it comes from underground such as a well that pumps the water. Although, not all underground sources contain radon. In terms of radon in water as far as we have been able to determine there is no government drinking water regulations for radon. But the EPA has proposed to regulate radon in water, especially drinking water. Also, the federal government does not currently regulate private water wells.

If your question was how you get rid of radon in water, if you get your water from a public water system, find out whether that system gets it water from a surface, like lakes, rivers or a reservoir, rather than an underground source. Finally, if you have a private well the EPA suggests you test your water on a regular basis for the levels of radon in water.