Radon Gas: What It Is, How It Affects You, and How to Stay Safe

Sources of Radon

The earth is the primary source of radon. Uranium, thorium, and radium are naturally found in the soil and rock, gradually releasing radon gas. Other sources of radon gas include the following:

• Building Materials: Some building materials, such as granite, contain traces of uranium that emit radon gas.
• Water Supply: Radon can dissolve into water from groundwater sources before entering homes or workplaces through faucets or showers.
• Natural Gas: Natural gas contains trace amounts of radon that can be released when burned in stoves or fireplaces.
• Indoor Air Movement: In some cases, air conditioners or heating systems can pull radon gas from the ground into buildings.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Since radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, it can quickly accumulate indoors without detection. As radon decays, it releases radioactive particles that can be inhaled. When radon gas is inhaled, it can cause health risks such as:

• Lung cancer: Radon is recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Exposure to it causes around 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers.
• Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic stroke is when a blood clot blocks oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Radon exposure has been linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in people who have never smoked and middle-aged to older women.
• Reduced Pulmonary Function: Exposure to radon gas can also lead to reduced pulmonary function in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. This can worsen respiratory conditions, making it difficult to breathe.

Additionally, radon gas not only poses a risk to individuals, but to  workplaces as well. Workplaces such as basements, tunnels, mines, and laboratories are prone to higher radon exposure. Even in office settings, radon can pose health risks if buildings are on uranium-rich soil.

Exposure in the workplace can result in the following:

• Increased Absenteeism: Workers exposed to high levels of radon gas may need more sick days due to health issues.
• Decreased Productivity: Radon exposure and related health risks can make it difficult for workers to concentrate and perform their tasks.
• Increased Liability: Employers may face liability claims if employees become ill due to radon exposure in the workplace.

How Radon Enters Workplaces

Because radon is a gas, it can move easily through the ground. This allows it to travel through tiny spaces in the soil and rock.

Due to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, buildings often have lower air pressure than the soil. This pressure difference acts like a vacuum, drawing radon from the ground into the building. The gas finds its way through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or any other openings that connect the building to the ground. Proper radiation safety measures are crucial to limit exposure to radon gas.

Prevention and Control of Radon Exposure

Radon exposure can be effectively managed through proactive prevention and control measures. Here are some key strategies to prevent and control radon exposure:

Safety Regulations

The first step towards managing radon exposure is understanding and complying with relevant standards and regulations. They are placed to minimize exposure and protect workers. Some of the main regulatory bodies involved include:

• World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO classifies radon as a human carcinogen and recommends a reference level of 100 Bq/m³ for indoor radon. If this isn’t feasible due to national conditions, the level should not exceed 300 Bq/m³.
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines: The EPA advises reducing radon levels in homes, schools, and childcare centers when concentrations reach or exceed four picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) empowers the EPA to regulate chemicals to protect health and the environment, which may include radon.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and AARST: Soil Gas Mitigation Standards or the ANSI/AARST SGM-MFLB-2023 standard sets minimum requirements for reducing radon and chemical vapors in multifamily, school, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.
• US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA has established an occupational exposure limit of 100 pCi/L for workplaces, requiring that areas exceeding this level be posted as hazardous.
• Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) – UK: In the UK, if the annual average radon level in a workplace exceeds 300 Bq/m³, employers must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and implement measures to limit employee exposure. A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) must also be appointed to assess workplace risks based on actual radon levels.

Ventilation

Increase airflow in enclosed spaces to reduce radon concentration. This can be done by opening windows, using fans, or installing ventilation systems. Certain areas such as basements, confined spaces, and crawl spaces often have higher radon accumulation and benefit greatly from improved ventilation.

Ventilation can be improved by improving existing HVAC systems with fans and other systems. These can help increase circulation and reduce radiation indoors. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems can also be used to improve air exchange and reduce radon levels while maintaining energy efficiency.

Mitigation Techniques

Radon mitigation techniques are used to lower radon levels and reduce the risk of exposure. These may include:

• Sealing Entry Points: Seal cracks in floors, walls, foundations, and gaps around pipes or cables to block radon. Use caulking or concrete sealants to reduce radon entry.
• Installing Radon Mitigation Systems: For high radon levels, install radon mitigation systems like sub-slab depressurization, which remove radon from under the building and release it outside.
• Pressurization: Adjusting the air pressure inside the building to prevent radon from seeping in.
• Sub-Slab Depressurization: This involves installing a system that draws radon from beneath the building and vents it outside, preventing it from entering indoor spaces.

Regular Radon Testing

Regularly test for radon to monitor levels in the workplace, especially in high-risk areas like basements or radon-prone regions. Use professional testing services or certified devices to ensure accurate results.

Employee Training and Awareness

Develop training programs to educate employees on the risks of radon exposure and ways to prevent it. Inform them about warning signs, symptoms, and actions to take if they suspect high radon levels in the workplace. Utilize technology to promote training and mobile learning to ensure employees are properly updated on possible changes in radon safety standards at all times.

Air Quality Monitoring

Since radon gas is odorless and invisible, it’s crucial to monitor indoor air quality for radon levels regularly. It can seep in without warning, making it necessary to have reliable air quality monitoring systems in place. Monitoring devices, like air quality sensors, can measure and keep track of radon levels.

Role of Air Quality Sensors

Workplaces that use air quality sensors can effectively monitor and control radon exposure. Some of the uses of air quality sensors include:

• Detecting Radon Exposure at Early Stages: Air quality sensors detect radon early by measuring its levels in the air using sensitive technology that identifies radon’s radioactive particles.
• Monitor Radon Levels Consistently Across Workplace Areas: Sensors can monitor multiple areas simultaneously, providing comprehensive data on radon buildup.
• Identify Trends or Increases in Radon Levels: Air quality sensors can track changes in radon buildup and help identify potential causes.