Indiana Radon Map

INDIANA The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have evaluated the radon potential in the U.S. and have developed this map to assist National, State, and local organizations to target their resources and to assist building code officials in deciding whether radon-resistant features are applicable in new construction.. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location. The map assigns each of the 3,141 counties in the U.S. to one of three zones based on radon potential. Each zone designation reflects the average short-term radon measurement that can be expected to be measured in a building without the implementation of radon control methods. The radon zone designation of the highest priority is Zone 1. RED Zone 1 Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L) ORANGE Zone 2 Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L) YELLOW Zone 3 Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L) Important: Consult the EPA Map of Radon Zones document (EPA-402-R-93-071) before

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Radon In Water

Most radon-related deaths in the US are due to radon gas accumulated in houses from seepage through cracks in the foundation, 30 to 1,800 deaths per year are attributed to radon from household water. High levels of dissolved radon are found in the groundwater in some areas flowing through granite or granitic sand and gravel formations. If you live in an area with high radon in groundwater it can get into your private well. Washing dishes, showering, and laundering can disturb the water releasing radon gas into the air you breathe.
How do I remove radon from my drinking water?
Radon can be removed from water by using one of these two methods:
• Aeration treatment – spraying water or mixing it with air and then venting the air from the water before use, or
• GAC treatment – filtering water through granular activated carbon. Radon attaches to the carbon and leaves the water free of radon. Disposing of the carbon may require special handling if it is used at a high radon level or if it has been used for a long time.
In either treatment, it is important to treat the water where it enters your home (point-of-entry device) so that all the water will be treated. Point-of-use devices such as those installed on a tap or under the sink will only treat a small portion of your water and are not effective in reducing radon in your water. It is important to maintain home water treatment units properly because failure to do so can lead to other water contamination problems. Some homeowners use a service contract from the installer to provide carbon replacement and general system maintenance. Remember to have your well water tested regularly at least once a year after installing a treatment system to make sure the problem is controlled. For more information pertaining to radon in water visit www.epa.gov

Radon in Granite Countertops

One common and potentially dangerous health risk inside buildings has recently been found in high levels in granite finishes. This popular counter top choice has become suspect as an emitter of radiation and high contents of radon gas inside the home. Recent radon testing has revealed that in addition to potential radon exposure though foundations or water, uranium in granite finishes is releasing radon as it breaks down after installation in the home. Recent test by home inspectors are revealing higher levels of radon in homes and some are several times above the normal level. With increased sales volume and variety, there have been more reports of “hot” or hazardous counter tops, particularly among the more exotic and striated varieties from Brazil and Namibia. With increased regularity in recent months, the Environmental Protection agency has been receiving calls from radon inspectors as well as concerned homeowners about granite counter tops with radiation. Although many radon levels in homes are coming back high, the EPA has not confirmed that all granite tops have high levels of radon. What the EPA is suggesting, is to have your home tested for radon and if levels test higher than 4 picocuries per liter of air than have your home fixed and eliminate your danger of radon gas.

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