Understanding Radon: A Natural Radioactive Gas and its Origins
Radon is a naturally occurring gas whose chemical element symbol is Rn and atomic number is 88. Radon’s radioactive gas forms from uranium, thorium, or radium which are radioactive metals that are broken down from rocks, soil, and groundwater.
Understanding Radon’s Role in Lung Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon has been the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke. Radon is extremely dangerous because it is inert, colorless, and odorless. Exposure usually happens from breathing radon in air that comes through the cracks and gaps in buildings and homes.
The National Radon Action Plan’s Ongoing Commitment
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began strategies known as The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) to ramp up action on radon. The NRAP Leadership Council is continuing its commitment to these strategies by releasing a third installment to the NRAP that will last until 2025. The council takes seriously the need to accelerate progress and is committed to uniting different perspectives on the challenge of finding and fixing preventable radon exposures.
Protecting Lives
The NRAP’s goal is for the nation to find, fix, and prevent high indoor radon levels in 8 million buildings by 2025. This strategy will save an average of at least 3,500 lung cancer deaths per year which will result in one-quarter of a million lives (in those buildings) over the next 74 years.
Curious to see if your home, office space, or building has been exposed to Radon? Give us a call at 1-509-535-1515 to get tested today! At Specialty, we are here to help and stay committed to your safety!
