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Ohio Department Of Health Radon

  • What is Radon?
  • Why is Radon dangerous?
  • Radon in Ohio
  • How does Radon enter your home?
  • Testing for Radon
  • What to do if Radon levels are high
  • Radon mitigation systems
  • Ohio's Radon program
  • Resources for homeowners and professionals
  • Current news and updates on Radon in Ohio

Ohio Department Of Health Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be found in homes across Ohio. It is formed from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundation walls and floors, gaps around pipes and drains, and through the soil that surrounds a home. The Ohio Department of Health Radon program is dedicated to educating citizens about the dangers of radon and providing resources to help homeowners detect and mitigate radon levels in their homes.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced naturally by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It is present in the air we breathe but usually in very small amounts. When radon levels become elevated, it can be dangerous to our health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and it is estimated to cause 21,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Why is Radon dangerous?

Radon is dangerous because it is a radioactive gas that can damage the DNA in our cells. When this happens, cells can mutate and become cancerous. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for those who smoke or have a history of lung cancer in their family. In fact, radon exposure is responsible for about 10% of all lung cancer cases in the United States.

Radon in Ohio

Radon is present in Ohio, and it can be found in homes throughout the state. According to the Ohio Department of Health, about 40% of homes in Ohio have radon levels above the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The highest levels of radon are typically found in the northern and eastern parts of the state, but radon can be present in any home regardless of location.

How does Radon enter your home?

Radon can enter your home through cracks in foundation walls and floors, gaps around pipes and drains, and through the soil that surrounds your home. It can also enter through well water. Radon levels are typically higher in basements and first-floor rooms that are in contact with the ground. However, radon can be present in any part of your home, including upper levels and crawl spaces.

Testing for Radon

The only way to know if your home has elevated levels of radon is to test for it. The Ohio Department of Health recommends that all homeowners test their homes for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive, and it can be done using a do-it-yourself kit or by hiring a professional. The most common type of test is a short-term test, which takes about 2-7 days to complete. Long-term tests are also available and can provide a more accurate reading of radon levels over a period of several months.

What to do if Radon levels are high

If your home has high levels of radon, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure. The Ohio Department of Health recommends that homeowners hire a professional to install a radon mitigation system. These systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. There are several different types of mitigation systems available, including sub-slab depressurization, which involves creating a vacuum under the basement floor to pull radon out of the soil, and ventilation systems, which use fans to circulate air and remove radon from the home.

Radon mitigation systems

Radon mitigation systems are designed to reduce the levels of radon in your home. These systems typically involve sealing cracks and gaps in foundation walls and floors, installing a ventilation system, and creating a vacuum under the basement floor to pull radon out of the soil. There are several different types of mitigation systems available, and the type that is best for your home will depend on several factors, including the design of your home, the construction materials used, and the location of the home.

Ohio's Radon program

The Ohio Department of Health Radon program is dedicated to educating homeowners about the dangers of radon and providing resources to help them detect and mitigate radon levels in their homes. The program offers free radon test kits to Ohio residents, as well as information on how to interpret test results and what steps to take if radon levels are high. The program also provides training and certification for radon professionals and maintains a list of certified radon contractors in Ohio.

Resources for homeowners and professionals

The Ohio Department of Health Radon program provides a variety of resources for homeowners and professionals. These include free radon test kits, information on how to interpret test results, and guidance on how to reduce radon levels in your home. The program also offers training and certification for radon professionals, as well as a list of certified radon contractors in Ohio.

Current news and updates on Radon in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health Radon program provides up-to-date information on radon levels in Ohio, as well as news and updates on radon-related events and initiatives. The program also offers a newsletter that provides information on new research, radon legislation, and other topics related to radon in Ohio.

Radon is a serious health risk that affects thousands of families each year. By testing your home for radon and taking steps to reduce your exposure, you can protect yourself and your family from this dangerous gas. The Ohio Department of Health Radon program provides valuable resources and information to help homeowners detect and mitigate radon levels in their homes. With the right knowledge and tools, you can reduce your risk of radon exposure and keep your family safe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio Department Of Health Radon

What is radon and why is it dangerous?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter buildings through cracks and other openings, and exposure to high levels of radon over time can increase the risk of lung cancer.

How do I know if there is radon in my home?

The only way to know for sure if there is radon in your home is to test for it. You can purchase a radon test kit online or at a hardware store, or hire a qualified professional to do the testing for you.

What should I do if I find high levels of radon in my home?

If your radon test results show high levels of radon in your home, you should take action to reduce your exposure. The Ohio Department of Health recommends hiring a qualified contractor to install a radon mitigation system that can effectively reduce the levels of radon in your home.