Radon – Why should you care?
The Fairbanks Museum Radon Education Program is designed is to educate the public about the nature of radon and radioactivity, radon's occurrence in the environment, its potential health risks, and methods for dealing with those risks on a family level.

Where does Radon come from?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed in the earth's crust by the radioactive decay of Uranium-238. Uranium is very common in some of the types of rocks found in Vermont. As Uranium decay radioactively it emits two types of high- energy particles, alpha and beta particles. Alpha particles can damage the delicate, unprotected cells of lung tissue.

How does it enter your home?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas which can move freely through spaces in the rocks and soil and into cracks in the foundations of buildings. Radon can accumulate in buildings which are closed or that have poor air circulation. It mixes with the air we breathe and enters our lungs without our knowledge. For most of us, radon is the source of our greatest exposure to harmful radiation during our life times.

Radon as a danger to your health –
Radon gas is a special danger in the lungs because radon atoms are unstable and soon change to atoms of other unstable elements that are solids. These atoms stick to the cells lining the lungs. As they too change, alpha (and beta particles) are released that can injure or destroy lung cells. In some cases the injuries lead to gene mutations that may cause a cancer to develop.

Testing and fixing the problem –
Testing for radon can easily be done using an Alpha Track detector. Get a free Radon Detection Kit (for Vermont residents only), along with simple instructions.

Lower the level –
To lower the level of radon in a house ventilation and prevention are the key. To reduce radon levels, a mitigation system is recommended including a pipe through the foundation and up through the roof. This system includes a small fan to draw the radon, from below the slab, safely up the pipe and out through the roof. The Vt. Dept. of Health has a list of certified radon mitigation contractors available upon request. Call Vermont Department of Health 1-800-439-8550.