Average Radon Level In Maine: 5.9 pCi/L

The EPA advises that any home or building in Maine with radon levels at or exceeding 4.0 pCi/L should undergo mitigation. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets a lower threshold, recommending action for radon concentrations of 2.7 pCi/L or above.

EPA's Action Level: 4.0 pCi/L
WHO's Action Level: 2.7 pCi/L
Average Level In Maine: 5.9 pCi/L

Living or working in areas with elevated radon levels can pose significant health risks. The only reliable method to ascertain the radon concentration in your specific home or building is through radon testing. This is a crucial step in ensuring your environment is safe and adheres to recommended health standards.

Understanding Radon in Maine

Radon in Maine is a significant health concern that often goes unnoticed due to its odorless and colorless nature. This naturally occurring radioactive gas can seep into homes and buildings from the soil, leading to potentially high radon levels in Maine. The state’s unique geology contributes to these elevated levels, making it crucial for homeowners and residents to regularly test for radon and mitigate its presence.

The Health Risks For Radon In Maine

Exposure to high levels of radon poses serious health risks, including:

Long-term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States.
Radon can accumulate in enclosed spaces, such as basements and ground-floor rooms, increasing the risk of exposure.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of radon.

Radon Levels in Maine

Maine is known for its beautiful landscapes, but it also has one of the highest average radon levels in the United States. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper testing.

Radon Statistics in Maine

Maine has one of the highest average radon levels in the country, with an average indoor radon level of 6 pCi/L, which is 1.5 times higher than the national average.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in three homes in Maine tested for radon has levels above the recommended safety limit of 4 pCi/L.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and in Maine, it is estimated to cause 160 lung cancer deaths each year.

Radon Testing and Mitigation in Maine

Given the high radon levels in Maine, it is crucial for homeowners to test their homes for radon. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services provides radon test kits at a low cost. If high levels of radon are detected, homeowners are advised to hire a certified radon mitigation professional to reduce the radon levels in their homes.

Radon testing is the only way to know if your home has high radon levels.
Radon mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon levels in your home.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services maintains a list of certified radon mitigation professionals.

Radon and Real Estate Transactions in Maine

In Maine, sellers of residential real property are required to provide buyers with a radon disclosure statement before the sale. This statement informs the buyer whether the property has been tested for radon, the results of any tests, and any radon hazards known to the seller.

Buyers are advised to conduct a radon test before purchasing a property.
If high radon levels are detected, the buyer can negotiate with the seller to have a radon mitigation system installed.

Additional Resources About Radon Levels In Maine

Here are some resources for reading about radon levels in Maine:

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