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Radon In Montana

Average Radon Level In Montana: 7.4 pCi/L

The EPA advises that any home or building in Montana 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 Montana: 7.4 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.

Average Radon Level In Montana

Understanding Radon in Montana

Radon in Montana is a significant health concern due to the naturally high levels of this radioactive gas found in the state. The radon levels in Montana are among the highest in the United States, with many homes and buildings having concentrations above the EPA’s recommended action level. This invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas can pose serious health risks if not properly mitigated.

The Health Risks For Radon In Montana

Exposure to high levels of radon in Montana can lead to serious health issues, including:

  • Lung cancer: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
  • Respiratory issues: Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Child health risks: Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of radon due to their faster breathing rates and developing lungs.

Radon Levels in Montana

Montana is one of the states in the U.S. with high levels of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it gets diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces like homes, it can accumulate to high levels and become a health risk.

Radon Levels in Montana: The Statistics

  • According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average indoor radon level in Montana is 7.4 pCi/L, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.3 pCi/L.
  • It is estimated that about 1 in 15 homes in Montana have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.
  • Some counties in Montana, such as Granite and Powell, have average radon levels as high as 10 pCi/L.

Health Risks of High Radon Levels

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking. The risk is even higher for smokers who are also exposed to high levels of radon.

Testing for Radon in Montana

Given the high radon levels in Montana, it is recommended that all homes, schools, and workplaces in the state be tested for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. Test kits are available at local hardware stores, online, or from your local county health department.

Radon Mitigation in Montana

If your home or workplace tests high for radon, there are proven methods to reduce radon levels. These include installing a radon mitigation system, which uses a vent pipe and fan to reduce radon levels by drawing radon from beneath the house and venting it to the outside.

Additional Resources About Radon Levels In Montana

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