Average Radon Level In Arizona: 1.9 pCi/L
The EPA advises that any home or building in Arizona with radon levels at or exceeding 4.0 pCi/L should undergo mitigation. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets a lower threshold, recommending action for radon concentrations of 2.7 pCi/L or above.
- EPA's Action Level: 4.0 pCi/L
- WHO's Action Level: 2.7 pCi/L
- Average Level In Arizona: 1.9 pCi/L
Living or working in areas with elevated radon levels can pose significant health risks. The only reliable method to ascertain the radon concentration in your specific home or building is through radon testing. This is a crucial step in ensuring your environment is safe and adheres to recommended health standards.
Understanding Radon in Arizona
Radon in Arizona is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. It is produced from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. The radon levels in Arizona can vary greatly depending on the geological composition of the area. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialized equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly test for radon to ensure the safety of your home or business.
The Health Risks For Radon In Arizona
Exposure to high levels of radon in Arizona can lead to serious health issues. Some of the risks include:
- Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
- Children and pets may be more vulnerable to the effects of radon due to their faster breathing rates.
Radon Levels in Arizona
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. The radon levels in Arizona are generally lower than the national average, but there are still areas where the levels can be high.
Radon Testing in Arizona
Radon testing is the only way to know whether your home has high levels of radon. The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Test kits can be purchased from the ARRA or from home improvement stores.
- Short-term tests are available and take between 2-90 days.
- Long-term tests take more than 90 days but provide a more accurate radon level reading.
Radon Levels in Arizona
The average radon level in Arizona homes is about 1.6 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is lower than the national average of 1.3 pCi/L. However, about 12% of homes in Arizona have radon levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 4 pCi/L.
- Coconino County has the highest average radon levels in Arizona, with an average indoor radon level of 4.1 pCi/L.
- Yavapai and Gila counties also have higher than average radon levels.
Radon Mitigation in Arizona
If your home tests high for radon, there are mitigation systems that can reduce the level of radon in your home. The ARRA can provide a list of certified radon mitigation professionals in Arizona.
- Radon mitigation systems can be installed in a home to reduce radon levels.
- These systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
Conclusion
While the average radon level in Arizona is lower than the national average, it is still important to test your home for radon. If your home tests high for radon, a mitigation system can be installed to reduce the radon levels.
Additional Resources About Radon Levels In Arizona
Here are some resources for reading about radon levels in Arizona:
- Arizona Department of Health Services – Radon: This page provides information about radon in Arizona, including how to test for radon and what to do if your home has high radon levels.
- EPA – Radon Zones and State Contact Information: This page provides information about radon zones in each state, including Arizona, and contact information for state radon programs.
- EPA – Health Risk of Radon: This page provides information about the health risks associated with radon exposure.
- USGS – Radon Potential in Arizona: This page provides a map and information about the radon potential in different areas of Arizona.