Radon Presented By: Mansel A. Nelson Senior Program Coordinator Tribal Environmental Education Outreach Program (EEOP) Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Northern Arizona University (NAU) www.nau.edu/eeop/

Radon Odorless, colorless Radon in air is ubiquitous Found in outdoor air and indoor air of buildings of all kinds  www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon Levels Red alert - above 4 pCi/L Yellow alert - between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L Average indoor radon is about 1.3 pCi/L www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon comes from Uranium Mansel: USE POINTER Radon is the decay product from Uranium as shown in this chart. The precursors to radon are all solid, so it is difficult for them to move around. Once radium decays to radon, radon is a gas and can move around. Another factor to consider is the short half life of radon and its daughters. Within a short amount of time there are several decays, each releasing radiation that can lead to damage in the lungs. www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon in Lungs Radon or decay products inhaled Particles irradiate lungs Irradiation can cause lung cancer Cigarette smoking synergistic impact Radon www.nau.edu/eeop

Deliver majority of radiation dose to lungs Lead-210 Polonium-214 Bismuth-214 Lead-214 Polonium-218 Radon-222 b,g a,g Lead-206 Polonium-210 Bismuth-210 22 yrs 4 day 3 min 27 min 20 min 0.2 ms 5 day 138 day Stable Radon Decay Products Po-218 and Po-214 Deliver majority of radiation dose to lungs nau.edu/iaqtc

Radon in Buildings From the soil Lower parts of building at greatest risk “Stack effect” www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon Testing www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon Mitigation                                    www.nau.edu/eeop

Contact Mansel A. Nelson Senior Program Coordinator Environmental Education Outreach Program (EEOP) Northern Arizona University (NAU) http://www.nau.edu/eeop/ mansel.nelson@nau.edu Voice 928 523 1275 FAX 928 523 1280 PO Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011