No Radon in Orange County or California? Think Again!!

CDPH Indoor Radon Program

The Indoor Radon Program, within the Environmental Management Branch, seeks to reduce the health risk from radon exposures by increasing awareness, providing information about testing, identifying areas of high radon potential, and promoting mitigation and radon-resistant construction.  

New!  Special Report 224 - Radon Potential in the Palos Verdes Area

The California Department of Public Health, in partnership with the California Geological Survey, is developing detailed radon potential maps for regions of the state. The latest map and report, covering the Palos Verdes region, has been released.  See all reports here.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, invisible, and without taste.  It is released during the natural decay of uranium, which is present in most rock, soil and water. Its occurrence in the state is influenced primarily by geology; find out more about radon. 

Where is radon found?

Radon can be found throughout California because uranium exists in all rock and soil.  Although certain areas of the state are more likely to contain higher radon levels than others, radon is a house-to-house issue.  You may live in an area of low radon potential yet your house can have elevated radon but your neighbor's house has a low radon level. 

Radon, in its natural state cannot be detected with the human senses. The only way to detect radon is to test.  California residents can purchase low cost radon test kits,
Home Test Kits $7.95, to test their home.  The results of the test should determine if you and your family are at risk. 

Testing for real estate transactions must be conducted by a California certified radon tester.  If the tester is not on the service providers list, he or she may not be certified or registered with the Indoor Radon Program.  Certification and registration for service providers is a requirement in California;(Radon and Real Estate). 

How does radon enter into my house and what can I do?

As the radon gas escapes from the ground into the air, the lower air pressure inside your home draws the outside air in through cracks, seams and other openings in your home foundation; (How Radon Enters Into My House).  If you have elevated radon levels you can still fix your home.  The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) along with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends that you fix your house if it has 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) or higher.  If you are building a house in an area of moderate or high radon potential, we recommend using radon-resistant building techniques. 

Why do I need to be concerned about radon?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (PDF), following smoking.  US EPA estimates (PDF)that nationally 21,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by radon each year.   

What is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers? Radon Gas

The primary cause of preventable mortality in U.S. homes is from Radon gas. Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA have identified Radon gas as the second leading cause of lung cancer, as well as the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. For over two decades, the EPA has recommended that all homes be tested for Radon. One in fifteen homes have Radon gas levels that are at levels determined as a significant risk to the occupants. 

While testing and correction of the radon levels is relatively inexpensive, I find that the majority of my home inspection clients in Southern California opt out of testing, again to save money, and or lack of acceptance regarding the real and present danger of Radon. Clients can see the potential danger of a trip hazard, but they cannot see, taste or smell Radon gas.

In addition, I listen weekly to real estate agents, property owners, bankers, and investors insisting that there is no Radon in California. At the same time, the California Department of Health, has determined through thousands of Radon test results, that radon is found in all areas of California and causes 2,000 annual lung cancer deaths.

California law requires that the Radon gas test be conducted by a Department of Health registered radon technician, during a real estate escrow, to prevent tampering. However, a new homeowner can conduct their own test after they take possession of the property. Low cost Radon test kits (about $10-$30), can be obtained from local hardware stores or over the internet.

The other primary annual causes of preventable death in U.S. Homes include: falls 6,000; Poisoning 5,000; Fires 3,000; and Air Obstructions (strangulations) 1,000. Home Inspectors can report on safety prevention issues for all of these items as well: Falls (stairs, handrails, flooring, grounds); Poisoning (child safety latches); Fires, (smoke detectors, fire egress, electrical); Air Obstructions (window cover cords).

The home inspectors primary standard of care is to advise and educate their clients on home safety conditions and prevention strategies for these primary in-home safety issues. It is critical that home inspectors continue to inspect, educate and report to their clients on these safety conditions to help prevent tragic, but preventable deaths related to Radon gas.

About Guaranteed Property Inspections

For more information on Radon and home inspections or to contact the author, please visit: http://www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, is an ASHI/CREIA/NEHA Certified Inspector and owner of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation in Southern California. He is also certified in: Radon, Mold, Energy Efficiency and Asbestos testing.

Radon Gas the #1 U.S. Environmental Health Risk for Deaths.

Health Effects of Radon
Lung cancer
The primary health effect of radon is lung cancer. When the radon daughters release these alpha particles into the lungs, the alpha particles penetrate cells and cause DNA damage. The damage is cumulative and can eventually cause cancer. Animal studies have shown that radon can cause cancer without the contribution of other pollutants (e.g., tobacco smoke).

The fact that radon exposure causes lung cancer was recognized first in uranium miners. One study evaluated American Indian miners who were non-smokers, and found a threefold increase in lung cancer over that experienced by non smokers who were not miners in the same community.

Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer dramatically. Early evidence for the role of smoking is the fact that before manufactured cigarettes were available, lung cancer was considered a rare disease (in spite of ongoing exposure to radon). Following the introduction of manufactured cigarettes, the incidence of lung cancers rose quickly to the point where it is now one of the most common cancers. For lifelong non-smokers, absolute risks (as opposed to excess risk due only to radon) of lung cancer (for those still alive) are 0.4%, 0.5% and 0.7% respectively at radon concentrations of 0, 100 and 400 Bq/m3. In cigarette smokers exposed to the same radon concentrations, these risks are 10%, 12% and 16% (Darby et al., 2005).

The EPA is strongly focused on the reduction of radon exposure primarily because of the enormous public health impact of its role in lung cancer in smokers. Mendez et al. (2009) analyzed smoking trends in the US and concluded that a better approach would be to concentrate on programs to reduce smoking.

Radon and Childhood Leukemia
There is some evidence that excessive radon exposure can increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. One study demonstrated a 56% increase in the rate of this type of leukemia per 1000 Bq/m3-years increase in exposure (Raaschou-Nielsen et al., 2008; Harley & Robbins 2009).

Radon and Pancreatic Cancer
Radon exposure may be a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer in African Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. Testing and mitigating homes for indoor radon may decrease the incidence of pancreatic cancer in these groups (Reddy & Bhutani 2009).

Radon and Other Cancers
One study of miners revealed some evidence for a relationship between other pulmonary cancers and cumulative radon exposures, but unknown factors could have influenced their results either negatively or positively (Kreuzer et al. 2008).

Protective Effect of Radon
There is some evidence that exposure to very low levels of radon may be protective, especially in smokers. Samet (2009) suggests that a non-threshold linear response is indicated by studies showing that a single alpha particle hit can permanently damage a cell. However, modeling of data from miners' studies indicate that the excess risk for lung cancer at 100 Bq/m3 is 0.l6, indicative of a protective effect. Note that risk estimates relate to 1 (no change), with estimates greater than 1 indicating increased risk and estimates less than 1 indicating decreased risk (Bogen 1998).

Standards and Guidelines
An indoor air radon concentration of 200-400 Bq/m3 has been adopted as an action or reference level by many countries. Levels less than 160 Bq/m3 indicate that no further action is necessary. The USEPA recommends remedial action if radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L (200 Bq/m3). The World Health Organization recommends a reference level of 100 Bq/m3 for radon. An acceptable radon concentration in the workplace is set at 1/3 of a WL or about 1200 Bq/m3. In September 2009, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive global initiative on radon that recommended a reference level of 100 Bq/m3 for radon and urged member countries to establish or strengthen radon measurement and mitigation programs, as well as develop building codes that require radon prevention measures in homes under construction.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.