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High radon areas in the US are mostly in the northern states, with Iowa having the highest concentration due to uranium in the soil. Radon can enter homes through cracks and joints, and testing is recommended. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, and preventative measures should be taken if levels are high.
High radon areas in the United States tend to be in the northern part of the country due to the soil types found there. States with high radon concentrations include Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Most or all of these states fall into zone one, which is designated for parts of the United States with the highest levels of radon: four pico Curies per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Zone two states, states with moderate radon levels of two to four pCi/L, include Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri, Utah, and Wisconsin. Significant parts of California, Oregon, and most of New England also fall under the zone two category. Zone three states are considered low risk, with less than two pCi/L.
Radon is found naturally in the air almost everywhere because it is formed when uranium breaks down in the soil. High radon areas of the United States have more uranium in the soil than others. Iowa, for example, has the highest concentration in the country, because glaciers crush granite rocks, a natural source of radon, and deposit the mineral in the soil. However, this is also part of what makes the region’s farmlands so rich.
In high radon areas, the resulting gas easily transfers from the ground to buildings. The problem of radon buildup isn’t limited to older homes, and new construction often suffers from increased levels of the gas as well. Radon can enter your home through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, gaps in floors or around pipes, wall cavities, and through your water supply.
People living in areas with a high radon content are encouraged to have their homes tested. Since radon is not visible and does not taste or smell, it is impossible to detect it without a test kit. Do-it-yourself test packs are available at most hardware or home improvement stores, but many people choose to hire professionals.
According to the US Surgeon General, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. The country’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20,000 radon-related lung cancers occur in the United States each year and recommends preventative measures should be taken if a home is tested at four pCi/L or higher. EPA also strongly encourages homeowners to take action if their home’s radon level is two pCi/L or higher. Solutions may include a better ventilation system and sealing cracks in the foundation and walls.
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