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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes

In June 2003, the EPA revised its risk estimates for radon exposure in homes. EPA estimates that about 21,000 annual lung cancer deaths are radon related. EPA also concluded that the effects of radon and cigarette smoking are synergistic, so that smokers are at higher risk from radon. EPA’s revised estimates are based on the National Academy of Sciences 1998 BEIR VI (Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation) Report which concluded that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

EPA RECOMMENDS:

• If you are buying or selling a home, have it tested for radon.
• For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction was used and if the home has been tested.
• Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and, in many cases, may be reduced.
• Take steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon test.

Surgeon General Health Advisory:

“Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques.”

January 2005

Radon and Smoking

Radon risk if you smoke
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.

Radon Level 1,000 Smokers exposed to level over a lifetime*... Cancer Risk Compared to**... What to do... Stop Smoking and...
20 pCI/L About 250 people could get lung cancer 250 times the risk of drowning Fix your home
10 pCI/L About 150 people could get lung cancer 200 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
8 pCI/L About 120 people could get lung cancer 30 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
4 pCI/L About 62 people could get lung cancer 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
2 pCI/L About 32 people could get lung cancer 6 times the risk of dying from poision Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCI/L
1.3 pCI/L About 20 people could get lung cancer Average indoor radon level Reducing radon below 2 pCI/L is difficult
0.4 pCI/L . Average outdoor radon level .

Radon risk if you have not smoked
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher.

Radon Level 1,000 NonSmokers exposed to level over a lifetime*... Cancer Risk Compared to**... What to do... Stop Smoking and...
20 pCI/L About 36 people could get lung cancer Risk of drowning Fix your home
10 pCI/L About 18 people could get lung cancer 20 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
8 pCI/L About 15 people could get lung cancer 4 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
4 pCI/L About 7 people could get lung cancer The risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
2 pCI/L About 4 people could get lung cancer The risk of dying from poision Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCI/L
1.3 pCI/L About 2 people could get lung cancer Average indoor radon level Reducing radon below 2 pCI/L is difficult
0.4 pCI/L . Average outdoor radon level .

*Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
**Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.