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Radon Summary
Radon Information
Radon Characteristics
Radon Effects to Human Health
Radon Exposure
Radon & Smoking Relationship
Mold and
Environmental Knowledge
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Radon Exposure
When a radioactive chemical is released or discharged from a large
containment area such as an industrial plant, it enters the open environment
as a radioactive chemical (refer to
radon characteristics for additional information). This emission process
does not always results to exposure. Exposure to a chemical happens only
when you come in contact with the chemicals by breathing them in, eating or
drinking substances containing the chemical, or from skin contact.
There are several factors which aid in determining how harmful the hazardous
substance you are exposed to is to your health. These factors include the
amount of exposure (dose); the amount of time you are exposed (duration);
route or pathway of exposure (eating, breathing, drinking or skin contact);
other chemicals to which you are exposed at that time; and your individual
characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, family traits,
lifestyle, state of health, etc.
The most common pathway of radon exposure is “breathing in” since radon is a
gas and radon decaying products are often attached to dust particles. Both
radon and its radioactive decaying products are present in nearly all air.
In indoor locations such as homes, schools or office buildings, have higher
levels of radon than outdoor levels. Cracks in the foundation or basement of
your home may welcome radon to move into your home. You may be also exposed
to radon by drinking water obtained from wells that contain radon.
Human Health Effects from Breathing Radon
Short-Term Exposure - less than or equal to 14 days of exposure
Long-Term Exposure - occupational to 10 years of exposure; this
exposure causes severe lung damage
Adapted from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- 1992, A Citizen’s guide to Radon: The Guide to
Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon (2nd Edition)
- 1993, Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon
- 1992, Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to
Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home
- 1992, National Residential Radon Survey: Summary
Report
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