Radon
Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) offers home radon test kits for $1 to residents of Dodge, Saunders, and Washington Counties which can be picked up at our main off located at 2400 N Lincoln Ave, Fremont, NE.
Additional distribution sites throughout the three counties have been established for your convenience. Locations include:
- Washington County Extension (Blair)
- Blair City Hall
- Wahoo Public Library
- Ashland Public Library
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. It is formed from the radioactive decay of uranium. Uranium is found in small amounts in most rocks and soil. It slowly breaks down to other products such as radium, which breaks down to radon.
How might I be exposed to radon?
- Radon is found at very low levels in outdoor air.
- It is found at higher levels in indoor air in homes, schools, and office buildings.
- Cracks in the basement or foundation of a home may allow higher levels of radon inside the home.
- Indoor radon levels are affected by the radium and uranium levels in soil, the porosity of the soil, the composition and condition of the foundation materials, and the ventilation rate of the room.
- Miners, particularly those who mine uranium and hard rock, are exposed to higher levels of radon.
- Radon is found in drinking water and may be higher in well water.
How can radon affect my health?
Exposure to high levels of radon may result in an increased incidence of lung diseases, such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. These diseases have been seen at a higher rate than normal among underground miners who were also exposed to arsenic, silica dust, diesel fumes, and cigarette smoke. Lung disease has been reported to increase with increasing exposure to radon and cigarette smoking. Effects on the lung have also been seen in animals exposed to radon.
For additional questions not listed, please call 402-727-5396.
Additional Resources:
Radon: epa.gov
Nebraska DHHS Radon Resources: dhhs.ne.gov