Is radon common in Europe?

Is radon common in Europe?

In normal circumstances, radon is the most important contributor to the radiation exposure of the human population. Although the gas occurs naturally and is found in low levels throughout the EU, higher levels of radon put people at greater risk of developing lung cancer.

What level of radon is acceptable?

EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocurries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Is 2.5 a safe radon level?

The EPA strongly recommends radon mitigation if your radon levels are above 4 pCi/L, though radon levels below 4 still pose a health risk. They recommend you consider mitigation if your radon levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Which country has the most radon?

According to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, “Norway is among the countries in the world where indoor radon reaches its highest concentrations”. About 10% of all buildings in Norway have a concentration higher than the recommended 100 Bq/m3.

What countries have radon problems?

Countries with mainly sedimentary soils (e.g. Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom) present lower or equivalent averages, whereas those with old granite soils (e.g. Austria, the Czech Republic and Finland) are more prone to radon emissions. If a common action level of 200 Bq.

What is a bad radon level?

No level of radon is safe. The United States EPA has established the radon level of 4.0 picocuries per liter to be the action level for radon gas in homes. Meaning, take action to reduce radon levels that are greater than four picocuries per liter. But consider taking action if radon levels are between 2-4.

Is radon 2.2 high?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.

Is 2.0 radon safe?

According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0. For perspective, the average outdoor air level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.

Where is radon commonly found?

Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and workplaces. Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

Where is radon most commonly found in the world?

Radon is present outdoors and indoors. It is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in drinking water from rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as well water.

What is a bad radon number?

A generally accepted action level established by the World Health Organization, the WHO, is 100 Bq/m3, or 2.7 pCi/L. Homes or structures measuring higher are advised to take remedial action to lower radon levels. The WHO further advises an upper limit that should not be exceeded at 300 Bq/m3, or 8 pCi/L.

What is a bad radon test result?

What are the signs your home has a Radon problem?

Radon gas is present in the air in varying amounts. High levels of radon gas in homes and buildings are harmful to the body, frequently leading to cancer of the lungs in individuals often exposed to it. Most of radon symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chest pains, presence of blood with coughing,…

What are the health risks of radon?

Radon exposure can lead to many health risks. The most common health risk associated to radon is lung cancer. Breathing in high levels of radon increases your risk of lung cancer.

How dangerous is radon in Your House?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can have a big impact on indoor air quality and your health. You can’t see or smell it, and radon can build up inside homes, buildings and schools to dangerous levels. Exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer.

Where is radon most prevalent?

Radon exists in every state and approximately 6% of all houses have elevated levels. The highest average radon concentrations in the United States are found in Iowa and in the Appalachian Mountain areas in southeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the highest readings have been recorded in Mallow, County Cork , Ireland.