Kentucky Radon Program
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, Ky. 40621
(502) 564-4856
clay.hardwick@ky.gov or heather.enlow@ky.gov
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Radon Mitigation and Measurement Workshop
The Kentucky Radon Program
Learn more about radon in granite countertops
The Kentucky Radon Program is involved in educational and awareness programs for citizens throughout the Commonwealth, including exhibits and staff presentations, responding to phone and e-mail inquiries and distributing radon awareness literature.
The program also acts as liaison between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, county and district health departments and universities, which receive mini-grants through the program.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.
It is estimated that radon causes thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. The U.S. surgeon general has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Radon can be found all over the U.S.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can be in any type of building homes, offices, and schools and build up to high, dangerous levels. Most people experience greatest exposure at home, where they spend most of their time.
Kentucky Radon Zones
Everyone should test for radon
An example of Karst geology, with caves, sink holes and fissured rock, is shown in this photo of a Tennessee quarry. Note the discolored rocks around the vertical fissures where water can flow down and radon can rise up. The EPA currently is developing special recommendations for testing and mitigation in Karst geology.
Areas of Karst Geology
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon in your home. The EPA and surgeon general recommend radon testing for all homes lower than third-floor level. The EPA also recommends testing in schools.
Testing is inexpensive and easy. It should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans already have tested their homes for radon.
In order to get accurate radon test results, be sure to follow established guidelines.
View guidelines (Printer Friendly).
Radon problems can usually be fixed easily and inexpensively. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
Who can test or fix your home if you have high radon levels?
www.radongas.org
www.nrsb.org
Warning to Consumers
The Risk Of Living With Radon
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer and the time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years.
Like other environmental pollutants, some uncertainty exists about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners). Additional studies on more typical populations are under way.
Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stop smoking and lower your home's radon level to reduce your lung cancer risk.
Children are reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of radiation-source cancers. However, current data is inconclusive as to whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon.
Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
- Your home's radon level;
- The amount of time you spend in your home; and
- Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked.