Radon Testing FAQ's

What is radon?
How serious is the problem?
How can I find out if my home is affected by radon?
What do I do if radon is detected in my home?

What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally as uranium deposits within the earth decay. Outdoors, radon doesn't pose a health hazard since it is quickly diluted in the air. However, radon gas can filter through rock and enter homes and other buildings through cracks and gaps in the foundation, or through drains, walls and other openings. Radon gas can then accumulate depending on how well a structure is ventilated.

Although radon in public water supplies is very rare, it can pose a problem with private water wells. The gas is dissolved into the water as it passes through underground deposits of decaying uranium. When water is used in your home, the odorless gas is released into the air.

How serious is the problem?
According to the American Lung Association, one in every 15 homes contains radon gas. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and causes thousands of deaths each year (use of tobacco is the leading cause). For more information on the health risks associated with radon, visit the American Lung Association's web site.

[TOP OF PAGE]

How can I find out if my home is affected by radon?
The state of Missouri provides homeowners with test kits designed to measure the level of radon in their homes. You can obtain a kit by registering online at www.dhss.mo.gov/Radon or by calling 1-866-628-9891 and ask for the Radon Program. Radon test kits are not currently available at the St. Charles County health department..

[TOP OF PAGE]

What do I do if radon is detected in my home?
The highest acceptable level of radon in a home or building is four picocuries per liter of air. This is an extremely small amount, and every effort should be made to reduce any level between 2 and 4 pCi/L in a building or residence. If your level exceeds 4 pCi/L you will be advised to take immediate steps to reduce the radon level. The Environmental Protection Agency has an excellent web site on radon, its health risks, and how to reduce it in your home or workplace. Visit the EPA's radon site.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Radon Program at (573) 751–6160, or call 1–800–SOS–RADON.

[TOP OF PAGE]