Radon Ranger

There is a misconception that radon is not a problem in Central Oregon. This is likely because there has been relatively little testing in Central Oregon, coupled with a misunderstanding of the actual risks. One can see on this map that it is not just a Willamette Valley or Columbia Gorge problem.

There are examples of homes in Central Oregon that have tested 10-20 times higher than the EPA action level.

Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, causing about 21,000 deaths per year.

It is important to know the risk in your home. If radon levels test above EPA thresholds, mitigation is extremely effective.

Radon testing is affordable and minimally intrusive. You might not even notice!

There is a misconception that radon is not a problem in Central Oregon, there are homes that have tested 10-20 times the action level in Deschutes County. It is important to know the risk in your home. The average radon level indoors is about 1.3 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), and outdoors is around 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends action above 4 pCi/L. If radon levels test above EPA thresholds, mitigation is affordable and very effective.

WHAT IS RADON GAS?

Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive, colorless and odorless gas that exists in the soil. It enters our homes through cracks and gaps in our foundations, slabs, and floors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It’s a common misconception that there is not a radon problem in Central Oregon, but elevated levels have been found in homes throughout the area. Testing is affordable and non-intrusive, and fixing your house with radon mitigation is effective!

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

There is a misconception that radon is not a problem in Central Oregon, but each building is different. It is important to know the risk in your home. The average radon level indoors is about 1.3 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), and outdoors is around 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends action above 4 pCi/L. If radon levels test above EPA thresholds, mitigation is affordable and very effective. 4/4

HOW DOES RADON GET INSIDE?

Radon gas makes its way through the soil and then enters buildings and homes through openings, cracks, and gaps in the foundations and floors. It is drawn indoors due to pressure differences between inside and outside air, also know as “The Stack Effect.” Warm air indoors has a lower pressure, and cooler soil gases are drawn inside. Weather can also play a part. 3/4

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

When inhaled, radon can decay in the lungs. That radioactive decay can damage our DNA and lung tissues, leaving behind heavy metal particles like Lead and Polonium, that stick to those tissues and decay even further. Because of this, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and can increase the risk in “ever-smokers” by up to 9 times. 2/4

WHAT IS RADON GAS?

Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive, colorless and odorless gas that exists in the soil. Radon gas is released as a decay product of Uranium, and then Radium, which are both “locked” in the ground. When Radon gas decays, it emits alpha radiation. Alpha radiation does not pe*****te as far as Gamma or Beta radiation, but it does more damage. 1/4