Is radon common in Idaho?

Is radon common in Idaho?

Radon has been found in every county in Idaho. 40.2% of homes tested in Idaho are greater than 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA and Surgeon General recommend that people not be exposed to radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L (WHO recommends 2.7 pCi/L).

Is radon a problem in Boise Idaho?

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Radon gas is odorless, colorless and it can be dangerous if it’s not taken care of. Two out of five homes in Idaho have high radon levels. In fact, the EPA says radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

What states have the most radon?

Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:

  • Alaska (10.7)
  • South Dakota (9.6)
  • Pennsylvania (8.6)
  • Ohio (7.8)
  • Washington (7.5)
  • Kentucky (7.4)
  • Montana (7.4)
  • Idaho (7.3)

How do you know if you are in a radon area?

Testing is easy. You place a plastic detector about the size of a biscuit in your living room, another in your bedroom and leave them for three months. After that you post them off and your radon level is calculated. If the level is high you can take steps to reduce radon levels in your home.

Why is there so much radon in Idaho?

Radon enters homes through small cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires, or pumps. There are many areas throughout Idaho that have high levels of radon; about 2 out of 5 homes that have been tested in the state have levels above 4.0 pCi/L. Order a free radon test kit.

What are symptoms of radon exposure?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.

Why do homes in Idaho have basements?

Basements are a common occurrence in Idaho homes. Idaho’s softer soil makes it easy to build down instead of up and it can be quite a benefit to homeowners when it comes to space, electricity conservation, and so forth.

Is radon highest in basement?

Also, once the windows, doors, or vents are closed, the radon concentration returns to the previous level within hours according to EPA studies. FACT: Its concentration is usually the highest in basements, simply because it emanates out of the soil through the basement.