Temporal Variation in Indoor Radon Concentrations Using Environmental Public Health Tracking Data
Sidoine Lafleur Manono Fotso Kamgang, Michele M Monti1, Adela Salame-Alfie1
1Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA.
Health Physics
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Indoor radon testing is crucial as radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer. Radon levels peak in colder months, indicating the best time for accurate home radon testing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Building Science
Background:
- Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, and the primary cause in non-smokers.
- Understanding temporal variations in indoor radon is key to accurate exposure assessment and effective mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the temporal variation of indoor radon concentrations over 13 years across 46 US states and the District of Columbia.
- To identify seasonal patterns in radon levels to inform optimal testing periods.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed 13 years of indoor radon concentration data from buildings across the US.
- Assessed temporal variation by calculating the overall monthly mean radon concentration.
Main Results:
- Radon concentrations ranged from 3.7 to 52,958.1 Bq m⁻³, with a mean of 181.4 Bq m⁻³.
- Approximately 35.4% of tests exceeded the US EPA action level of 148 Bq m⁻³.
- Highest mean radon concentrations occurred in January (203.8 Bq m⁻³) and lowest in July (129.5 Bq m⁻³), with elevated levels in winter months (January, February, October) and lower levels in summer (June, July, August).
Conclusions:
- Indoor radon concentrations exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking during colder months.
- Results support continued radon testing year-round, with a recommendation to prioritize testing during the colder seasons for more accurate exposure assessment.
