Jessica

In response to the stats below on the number of people who get cancer per 4 picu/L vs. 2 picu/ L I did not find the same numbers on the epa website as you ,Pat. We are awaiting our radon results on a house we have a contract on the first readings were inconclusive as the variance was too great between them. One ws 3.4 and one was 5.5- both were placed in the house at the same time in the same location. I am doing research to see if we should mitigate or get out of the contract. I was very nervous about any radon at all but I am realizing it is everywhere just at different levels. There are no other major issues with the house. I was afraid about even low levels but I don't know if I will find a house with anything below 1 picu/L. After research it seems mitigation is very helpful and effective in removing the gas from the home. It also seems that other realtors that have left blogs do not feel it is a negative selling point- that was one of my BIGGEST concerns- as until I got educated more it scared me off. I found this chart on the epa site that I think you may find helpful for lung cancer risks both in smokers and those who have never smoked:


Radon Level If 1,000 people who smoked
were exposed to this level over a lifetime*... The risk of cancer from radon
exposure compares to**... WHAT TO DO:
Stop smoking and...
20 pCi/L About 260 people could get lung cancer 250 times the risk of drowning Fix your home
10 pCi/L About 150 people could get lung cancer 200 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
8 pCi/L About 120 people could get lung cancer 30 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
4 pCi/L About 62 people could get lung cancer 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
2 pCi/L About 32 people could get lung cancer 6 times the risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
1.3 pCi/L About 20 people could get lung cancer (Average indoor radon level) (Reducing radon
levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.)
0.4 pCi/L About 3 people could get lung cancer (Average outdoor radon level)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.
pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter)
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

Radon Risk If You've Never Smoked

Radon Level If 1,000 people who never
smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*... The risk of cancer from radon
exposure compares to**... WHAT TO DO:
20 pCi/L About 36 people could get lung cancer 35 times the risk of drowning Fix your home
10 pCi/L About 18 people could get lung cancer 20 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
8 pCi/L About 15 people could get lung cancer 4 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
4 pCi/L About 7 people could get lung cancer The risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
2 pCi/L About 4 people could get lung cancer The risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
1.3 pCi/L About 2 people could get lung cancer (Average indoor radon level) (Reducing radon levels below
2 pCi/L is difficult.)
0.4 pCi/L (Average outdoor radon level)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher.
pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter)
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports - Thu Aug 14 2008, 09:55