Critical Information: Radon and the Black Hills Area

What is Radon?

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas, a CLASS A carcinogen. 

Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.  Smokers and former smokers are at particular risk as radon's cancerous effects are amplified for these individuals.  

Radon is produced as a result of the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock and water.  Radon gas most typically enters the home through foundation floors and walls, of any type. 

The EPA states that radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

For perspective, that's 10 times the level of asbestos-caused (mesothelioma) lung cancer deaths/year.

Is the Black Hills Area a Radon Risk Zone?

YES.  In fact, every area on the planet carries some risk. The EPA indicates S. Dakota to be moderate to high risk, moderate risk in western S. Dakota.

However, a significant percentage of homes in and around the Black Hills and the Bear Lodge range, have in-fact tested elevated (some in excess of 100's of pCi/l), and well beyond the action level of 4 pCi/l*.

This has to do with the geological formation of the Hills, and also it's mineral make-up, soil composition and other aspects that effect radon gas movement. We also have shallow uranium depths, and radium (the mineral from which radon derives itself) is a direct progeny of uranium radioactivity.

The U.S. Geological Survey has recently posted an updated, 3 key, Radon Potential Map (see right).  In this national map, a purple ring around the Black Hills uplift and moving into the Wyoming Bear Lodge range is strikingly present. 

This ring is designated by the USGS as a Level 1 high-risk radon zone. Their basis is the presence of near-surface uranium, and historically-reported instances of high radon occurrence.

Since many of our homes are situated in and around the Black Hills or Bear Lodge, it is not uncommon to find some homes here with radon gas levels exceeding the action level by orders of magnitude, even in the same neighborhood as homes that do not.

*4 pCi/l correlates to 10 cigarettes/day lung cancer risk for non-smokers, much higher for smokers.

Don't be alarmed. Most homes here do not test high, and remember that even in homes that do, any radon level (even in the 100's of pCi/l's) can be mitigated. Clients, however, are encouraged to get their homes tested here to know if the cost-outlay will be required. 

Mitigation solutions in our area typically cost in the range of $1200-$1800.  The cost associated with a radon-mitigation solution is another reason why homes in real estate transactions often get tested. 

(BHIS does not offer mitigation services; in order to avoid any conflict of interest in measurement objectivity)

Radon Health Effects:

After decades of ongoing research by leading national and international agencies, to date, lung cancer is the only verified health-related effect of radon gas in homes and buildings.  This is due to the relatively short half-life (3.7 days) and heavy mass of the radioactive progeny, or alpha particle that can be lodged in the lung, but cannot penetrate skin or other organs. 

In fact, radon gas in well-water can be many, many orders of magnitude greater than airborne radon, and still not cause damage to internal organs from drinking.  However, operating a shower (for example) with very high levels of radon-laden water will emit the radon gas into the air, and once again breathable radon alpha particles can become lodged in the lungs.

The Surgeon General, the EPA, the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Medical Association, and the American Lung Association have all identified indoor radon as a national (& international) health problem.

This can be disconcerting information...

The good news is that even excessively high amounts of radon in homes can often be mitigated. Furthermore, most homes do not have excessive radon concerns.  The only way to know for sure however, prior to closing, is to have the home tested. 

Black Hills Inspection Services' Active Radon Monitor

Sun Nuclear CRM 1028

If you desire more information concerning Radon and its health-related risks, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

If you seek information concerning asbestos and mesothelioma, visit the following: http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/