A SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS AND RADON RISK

Radon is the number one environmental cause of cancer mortality. Approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributable to radon exposure. Because radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas, testing of ambient and indoor air is the only means of detecting its presence. The average indoor level of radon is 1.3 pCi/L. However, the US EPA reports indoor radon measurements as high as 3,200 pCi/L in some homes. Although the US EPA encourages testing and provides funding to states in support of radon testing programs, the extent to which states are capable of conducting and monitoring radon testing programs differs across the nation. Currently our understanding of the full extent of the potential risk to radon is unknown due to limited surveillance and prevention programs. We have initiated preliminary analyses of residential radon data in order to better understand the spatial relationship between residential test results and potential radon risk in nearby schools. Preliminary results support a spatial relationship for potential radon risk. This presentation will focus on our findings from additional spatial analyses exploring geologic conditions and characteristics contributing to radon risk. In addition to underlying geology we explore the influence of the distribution of uranium deposits and soil permeability to further our understanding of radon risk. We anticipate the results of this work will inform the development of radon testing plans and policy.