Is radon an issue in Oregon?

According to the 2017 data, much of the state is at some risk of at least moderately high radon levels, particularly in northwest, central and northeastern Oregon. Within these regions are pockets where high radon levels are common, such as the Portland metro, Clatskanie and La Grande areas.

Is there radon in Bend Oregon?

BEND, OR — Central Oregon may not be at high risk for deadly Radon gas, according to a new report, but experts say that doesn’t mean there’s no risk. The state report released Tuesday shows the highest concern in the Portland area.

Why is there radon in Oregon?

“In the Portland metropolitan area, a lot of the rocks and soil underneath the Willamette Valley were carried down from parts of Idaho and Montana and the rocks that came from there are contributing to the higher radon levels that we’re experiencing in the Portland area,” said Curtis Cude with the Oregon Health …

Is radon common in Portland Oregon?

According to the Oregon Health Authority’s 2020 Radon Risk Map, a large area of Portland including all of Northeast Portland is at a high risk for radon exposure. In total, 11 Portland zip codes are in the red zone for radon. Click the radon map to access.

How common is radon homes?

It’s common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what’s considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.

Why do some areas have high radon?

Guidance for specific areas Buildings naturally draw air in from the ground through the cracks and gaps in the floors, and this air will contain radon. Indoor radon often varies from building to building within the same area.

How accurate are radon tests?

Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time. A new study finds the only reliable way to measure exposure to radon gas is with a long-term testing kit, 90 or more days. Researchers placed two test kits, a short term (five-day) and long term (90-day) in the same homes.

Where is radon most prevalent?

Radon exists in every state and approximately 6% of all houses have elevated levels. The highest average radon concentrations in the United States are found in Iowa and in the Appalachian Mountain areas in southeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the highest readings have been recorded in Mallow, County Cork , Ireland.

Where is the high radon areas in the US?

High radon areas in the U.S. tend to be in the northern section of the country due to the types of soils found there. States with high concentrations of radon include Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Where is radon in the US?

States with high concentrations of radon include Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Most or all of these states fall in zone one, which is one designated for parts of the U.S.

What is the EPA for radon?

According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0.