Temporal Variation in Indoor Radon Concentrations Using Environmental Public Health Tracking Data

Abstract

Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (US) after smoking and the number one for lung cancer in non-smokers. Understanding how indoor radon varies during the year reveals the best time to test to avoid underestimating exposure. This study looks at the temporal variation in 13 years of radon concentrations in buildings located in 46 US states and the District of Columbia (DC). In the dataset, radon concentration varies from 3.7 Bq m-3 (Becquerels per cubic meter) to 52,958.1 Bq m-3, with an overall mean of 181.4 Bq m-3. About 35.4% of tests have a radon concentration level equal to or greater than the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) action level 4.0 pCi L-1 (148 Bq m-3).3 Temporal variation in radon concentrations was assessed using the overall monthly mean radon concentration. The highest concentrations were found in January (203.8 Bq m-3) and the lowest in July (129.5 Bq m-3). Higher monthly mean indoor radon concentrations were found in January, February, and October, and lower in July, August, and June. This result is consistent with findings from other studies and suggests continuing to encourage radon testing throughout the year with an emphasis on testing during the colder months.