Radon

Most inhaled radon is rapidly exhaled, but the inhaled decay products readily deposit in the lung, where they irradiate sensitive cells in the airways increasing the risk of lung cancer.

In April of 2002, a Brown Township home on Morris Rd. tested at over 10 picocuries / liter. After professional installation of a Radon Remediation System (cost of $990), the home retested at zero.

According to the US EPA, indoor Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. While about 1 in 15 homes have high radon levels, the ratio is thought to be higher in Brown Township.

Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface and then it is too late. IIf you haven't tested your home, you should. For answers to questions about Radon, please contact:

Ohio Dept. of Health
Environmental Radiation Safety Section
(614) 644-2727

Franklin County Board of Health
(614) 462-3928

What is Radon?

Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, a melting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and (depending on the source, there are between 20 and 25 isotopes of radon - 20 cited in the chemical summary, 25 listed in the table of isotopes).

Radon is found all over the U.S.. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas without color, odor, or taste that comes from the radioactive decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It emits ionizing radiation during its radioactive decay to several radioactive isotopes known as radon decay products.

Radon gets into the indoor air primarily from soil under homes and other buildings. Radon is a known human lung carcinogen and is the largest source of radiation exposure and risk to the general public.

Short Term Radon Kits Now Available

The Franklin County Board of Health receives grants from the Ohio Department of Health to provide short- term radon test kits for Franklin County residents at no cost.

Follow the directions in the package that accompany the kit. When you’ve finished testing, place the kit in the pre-paid mailer, and send it to the manufacturer for analysis. There is normally no cost to you for the analysis.

Please be aware that there are a limited number of test kits! Brown Township residents can sometimes pick up a radon test kit at the Washington Twp Fire Department at 6255 Sheir-Rings Road in Dublin, Ohio. For more information, call the Franklin County Board of Health, (614) 462-4537.

Questions and Answers about Radon Testing

Q: Does the Board of Health mail out test kits?

A: No. We no longer provide that service.

Q: Why do I have to give you my name and address in order to get a test kit?

A: The kits are provided through grants from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH.) Each result gives them more data to use to make decisions concerning the potential risk to Ohio residents from radon. Your personal information is NOT release to any agency or private individual!

Q: Is there an “acceptable” level of radon?

A: The US EPA has established 4 picocuries / liter of air as the “Action Level” for radon in a home. If your test shows this level or higher, you are at greater risk.

Q: How does radon get into my home?

A: Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally occurring in the soil and bedrock. It enters the home (usually the basement or slab) through cracks, holes, and other openings.

Q: What do I do if my test results exceed 4.0 picocuries / liter?

A: Currently, no law requires a homeowner to mitigate the radon. However, if you sell your home in the future, you must be disclosed that a radon test was conducted, and what level of radon was detected. If you choose to have radon mitigation done, please use only a licensed radon mitigation contractor.

brown township