Brief History of Radon - Radon is a common radioactive gas that rises out of the ground and into the air we breathe. The gas is not much of a risk outdoors, but can be incredibly dangerous when breathed in over a prolonged period indoors. Radon is currently the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, so it is critical to understand the risks of exposure and what you can do to protect yourself.
Though radon has existed since the Earth was created, it was only first discovered in 1900. Our knowledge about radon and its risks has evolved over the last 120+ years, and local health organizations now urge all Utahns to test their homes for radon. To view a radon discovery timeline, visit this page.
The 1950s
Though radon was discovered in 1900, we only learned it causes cancer in 1951. At this same time, Utah had a major boom in the mining of uranium, the element that turns into radon when it decays. This led to countless miners who were exposed to radon in mines, and, according to the Utah Geological Survey, “lung cancer fatalities caused by radon gas are Utah’s most deadly geologic hazard.”
The 1980s
The indoor dangers of radon became widely recognized by the 1980s, and the Indoor Radon Program was established. By 1988, the Indoor Radon Abatement Act was signed into law with the long-term goal of eliminating radon in indoor air. Millions of dollars were granted to radon programs, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the Citizen’s Guide to Radon.
The 1990s
In 1998, the radon National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) was privatized. The NRPP provides certifications for radon testing and mitigation professionals. This program is recognized by the EPA and is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). To this day, NRPP supports specialists who remove radon from homes and helps homeowners find competent radon practitioners.
The early 2000s
The U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory in 2005 to warn Americans about the dangers of indoor rain exposure. All homeowners were encouraged to test for radon every two years, as radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Additionally, testing should alternate between the summer and winter as radon levels fluctuate based on outdoor conditions.
The 2020s
New studies and data have begun to find correlations between radon exposure and childhood leukemia, childhood attention deficit issues, asthma, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It has become clear that radon exposure should be minimized as much as possible. In Utah specifically, Uranium mining is “undergoing a renaissance,” according to the Salt Lake Tribune. At the same time, radon awareness and testing have increased, and roughly 50% of homes tested for radon have high levels.
What you can do about radon
Radon is dangerous, but steps can be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones. UtahRadon.org offers one free radon test to every Utah home. If your home tests high for radon, you can also receive a free bid for a radon mitigation system. (A brief history of radon)
