Indicator Report - Radon
Why Is This Important?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Those who smoke and are exposed to radon have an especially high risk of developing lung cancer.Testing your home for radon levels is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy. Tests can be purchased at home improvement stores, the National Safety Council, and from Utah's Division of Radiation Control. If your home radon test results measure 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends you take action. A mitigation system may be installed by a certified contractor and usually costs between $800 and $2,000. For a list of qualified mitigation contractors contact the National Radon Proficiency Program, the National Radon Safety Board, or by going to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and clicking on "certified providers."
Average Radon Levels From Short Term Home Radon Tests by County
Data Notes
This map was made using an interval break method called "natural breaks" where classes are based on natural groupings inherent in the data.Data Sources
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control.Other Views
- Radon Levels From Long Term Home Radon Tests by County
- Homes With Radon Levels Over 4 pCi/L Using a Short Term Test by County
- Homes With Radon Levels Over 4 pCi/L Using a Long Term Test by County
- Homes Tested for Radon Using a Short Term Test by County
- Homes Tested for Radon Using a Long Term Test by County
Definition
Radon is a naturally occuring gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. You can't see, smell, or taste radon, but it can accumulate in buildings as it seeps through cracks and holes in building foundations. The accumulation of radon in your home can pose a danger to your family's health.Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 21,000 lives annually.
How We Calculated the Rates
| Numerator: | Sum of all radon levels/number of homes tested with level over 4 pCi/L |
| Denominator: | Total number of homes tested/total number of homes tested |
Page Content Updated On 01/21/2009,
Published on 04/16/2009
