Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. Radon enters our bodies as we inhale. Children are more susceptible to the effects of radon because of the developmental stages their bodies are going through. Pound for pound, children are eating, drinking and breathing more than adults. Therefore, if radon is in the air they are breathing or water they are drinking, their body is receiving a higher concentration of radon than an adult.
What is radon? It is naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless and colorless. This is an issue because you do not know if it is present unless you test for it. Individuals may have been exposed but it could take years before the effects are known. It is absorbed into our lungs and causes damage to the lung tissue which can develop into lung cancer.
Where does radon come from? Radon is in the rocks and soil and enters a building through cracks or other openings in the foundation or floors such as drains or construction joints. It can also enter through water. As the water evaporates, the radon is released into the air like when taking a shower. Radon comes from a natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water. Montana is included in the zone which has a lot of uranium underground.
Should you test? Yes, all buildings that are inhabited should be tested. It is inexpensive and very easy to do yourself. Short term (3-7 days) and long term (3-12 months) tests are available. Another factor related to our area is the wind. Wind draws air out of the home which draws in new air thus drawing in the radon. Exhaust fans and other vented systems like a clothes dryer also create this effect. Frozen and wet soils also allow radon to enter a building easier than unfrozen or dry ground.
When is a good time to test? Now is a good time because homes and buildings are more likely to remain closed up. Cold outside temperatures cause us to heat our homes which present special circumstances of radon entering buildings. The warm air rises in the house and needs to draw air from below which generally pulls the radon in.
Where can you get a test kit? Contact the Chouteau County Extension Office at the contact information provided below.
What can be done if radon results are high? There are simple effective systems that can be done to an existing home or building. If building a new home, it is highly recommended to include a radon mitigation system in the house as it is being built.
Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
