03/27/2021
Radon is a real health issue on California. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the U.S. It is estimated that 21,000 people die from radon linked lung cancer per year. Radon is the number two cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. It is a geological phenomena. Remediation is generally straightforward, relatively inexpensive and it is effective.
State radon program data shows that buildings in the 94062 zip code have better than a 1 in 4 chance of testing high for radon gas. The EPA recommends remediation if readings are 4 pCi/L or more.
The maximum reading recorded in the 94062 zip is 228 pCi/L.
To put that in perspective, the average outdoor level is 0.4 pCi/L. At 1.3 pCi/L (average indoor level) risk of lung cancer is about 2 per 1000 in non-smokers. At an indoor level of 4 pCi/L, about 7per 1000 will get lung cancer - a 3.5x increase. If the radon levels are 20 pCi/L, then 36 per 1000 will likely get lung cancer - an 12x increased risk. Limited testing in Redwood City/94062 has detected homes with 228 pCi/L.
I know of radon remediation systems installed in Half Moon Bay, San Carlos, Belmont, Piedmont Hills in Oakland. There are many other I am sure. The state data shows high risk areas in Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park and others.
The radon maps can not tell you what radon levels will be in your home. They give an idea as to the probability of high radon levels. A home in a low risk area can test high - its just unlikely. A home in a high risk area can test low - it is just less likely to do so. A home can test high and the house next door can test low. Testing your home is the only way to know. The CA State Dept. of Public Health recommends that every home be tested.
If you want the radon probabilities for your zip code you can post a comment below and I'll post a response. If you want to look them up yourself you can find the state data at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/CDPH%20Document%20Library/EMB/Radon/Radon%20Test%20Results.pdf
Radon risk is proportionate to exposure time. With more people working from home, the risk in a home with elevated readings is proportionately higher.
If you'd like to test, kits are available or you can contact a testing professional such as myself. To test a home other than your own, you must be a testing professional that is registered with the CA DPH. My testing equipment must be calibrated annually and periodically performance checked. This is to ensure accuracy and maintain my testing certification.
Let me know if you found this useful. You can't fix a problem you don't know you have. So don't forget to test!
