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The study found that nearly 25 % of the U . S . population — more than 83 million people — may be exposed to radon concentrations at or above 148 Bq / m 3 , which are considered dangerous . ( Bq / m3 refers to becquerels per cubic meter , which is how radon concentrations are usually measured . One becquerel is equal to one radioactive decay per second .)
The highest radon concentrations were found in much of South Dakota , North Dakota , Nebraska , parts of Iowa , eastern Pennsylvania and central Ohio . But even people in low-radon zones may be exposed to high radon levels at certain times , the study found . During winter , for example , when ventilation is reduced while homes are heated , radon gas can seep into basements through cracks in the foundation or walls and become concentrated indoors . Other factors that can cause radon levels to tick up include uranium content in soil ( the primary driver of radon prevalence ), highpermeability soils , and shallow bedrock .
According to the authors , the new model outlined in the study could help inform building codes in certain communities , increase homeowners ’ efforts to prevent radon entry , and help assess residential radon exposure in studies about the health impacts of the gas .
Read the Phys . org article : Improved radon gas mapping finds nearly 25 % of Americans living in highest risk areas
The Department of Environmental Health is hosting a live Q & A with the authors of the radon study on Monday , Feb . 3 , 1-2 pm , to discuss the impacts of radon exposure and how to reduce the risks . Learn more .
About The Author
Karen Feldscher
Associate Director for News in the Office of Communications
_______ NOTE :
How to Convert Becquerel to Picocurie
1 Bq = 27.027027027 pCi 1 pCi = 0.037 Bq
Example : convert 15 Bq to pCi : 15 Bq = 15 × 27.027027027 pCi = 405.4054054054 pCi