Understanding the History and Importance of Radon Mitigation
Radon, a radioactive gas discovered by Frederich Enst Dorn in 1900, plays a critical role in public health due to its correlation with lung cancer. Dorn's discovery, driven by interest in radioactive atoms and radium decay products, led to the isolation of radon, determination of its atomic weight, and assignment of its atomic number and symbol (Rn, 86). The gas’s boiling and freezing temperatures were also identified, furthering our understanding of its properties.
Radon's Link to Lung Cancer
The connection between radon and lung cancer became evident in the 1940s when uranium miners began developing lung cancer at alarming rates. Radon gas, produced by the decay of uranium, explained these cases in hindsight. However, it took decades before elevated radon levels in residential areas became a significant concern.
Geological Structures and Radon in the U.S.
In states like Pennsylvania and Virginia, geological structures such as the Reading Prong and the Triassic Basin contain high densities of uranium deposits. By the 1980s, more houses were built over these areas, increasing the risk of radon exposure for residents.
The Stanley Wartas Tale: A Turning Point
A pivotal event in radon awareness and mitigation occurred in 1984, known as the Stanley Wartas tale. Stanley Wartas, an engineer at a nuclear power plant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, triggered a radiation detector despite the plant being under construction and free of radioactive materials. Investigations revealed that radon levels in Wartas's home were over 700 times the action levels, equivalent to smoking 200 packs of cigarettes a day.
Efforts by the EPA and NRPP
Following this incident, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) developed programs to safeguard citizens from high radon levels in their homes. Despite these efforts, some real estate professionals still overlook radon mitigation in transactions.
Radon Mitigation Services in Racine and Kenosha
At American Radon, we specialize in installing radon reduction systems in homes and buildings throughout Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Our goal is to prevent the harmful long-term effects of radon exposure, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
