Radon, water, and air pollution: risks and control
Summaries are presented on: (1) what is known about sources, levels, and health effects of radon; (2) how homeowners can have their water and air tested for radon; and (3) how radon levels in the home can be reduced. In Maine, radon levels were found to be highest in granitic regions (with well water averaging 22,000 pCi/l). Health risks from airborne radon are substantially greater than those from waterborne radon. It is estimated that a person living for sixty years in a house with an airborne radon level of 4 pCi/l would have one chance in 100 of dying from lung cancer from that cause. The key factors affecting airborne radon levels in a home include (1) radon levels in well water, and water-using habits; (2) radon levels in soil gas, and type of construction of house and foundation; and (3) house ventilation rates. Effective control measures include use of activated carbon filters and increased ventilation of the building.
- Research Organization:
- Maine Univ., Orono (USA). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
- OSTI ID:
- 5893522
- Report Number(s):
- PB-83-206789
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
BUILDINGS
CONTROL
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HOUSES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RISK ASSESSMENT
STANDARDS
VENTILATION
WATER POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL