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.

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.