What is Radon?Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes and businesses from the soil beneath and around a building. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you cannot detect it without specialized testing. The only way to know if your Portland-area home has elevated radon levels is to test for it.
Where Does Radon Come From?Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Because uranium occurs throughout the Earth's crust, radon can be found in many areas. Radon gas can move through soil and enter buildings through openings in the foundation, including:
Cracks in concrete floors and foundation walls Gaps around pipes and utility lines Floor drains and sump pits Crawl spaces Construction joints Openings around foundations Once inside, radon can accumulate to elevated levels, especially in areas with limited ventilation. Why Is Radon Dangerous?Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. When radon and its radioactive decay products are inhaled, they can expose lung tissue to radiation. Over time, this exposure can damage lung cells.
One of the biggest concerns with radon is that there are no obvious warning signs. A home with elevated radon can look and feel completely normal. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. |
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Is Radon a Problem in Portland, Oregon?Radon levels vary throughout Portland and the surrounding areas.
Oregon has documented elevated radon levels in communities throughout the state, including parts of the Portland metropolitan area. However, location alone cannot tell you whether an individual home has elevated radon. Two neighboring homes can have very different radon levels because soil conditions, foundation construction, ventilation, and other factors vary between properties. That's why the EPA recommends testing homes regardless of their location. |
What Is a High Radon Level?Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
The EPA also recommends considering radon reduction when levels are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. There is no known level of radon exposure that carries zero risk. If your test shows elevated levels, professional radon mitigation can help reduce the amount of radon inside your home. |
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