It says that levels in Cd'A are comparatively high.
Understanding the three EPA Radon Zones is pivotal to understanding the radon situation. The EPA has placed each county in the United States into one of the three zones. Zone 3 has the lowest radon levels: predicted to average under 2 pCi/L. Zone 2 has higher radon levels: predicted to average between 2 and 4 pCi/L. And Zone 1 has the highest radon levels: predicted to average above 4 pCi/L.
With these categories in mind, let's see where Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding areas land on our risk map.
Kootenai County is zone 1, and it’s entirely surrounded by zone 1 counties.
Keep in mind that the EPA suggests that every home be tested for elevated radon, no matter the zone number. The map itself is “intended to help governments and other organizations target risk reduction activities and resources.” HHE is one such organization that focuses resources on the zone 1 county of Kootenai. For instance, the difference for the HHE office in Coeur d’Alene as opposed to the HHE office in Idaho Falls is that the CDA office focuses much more advertising and educational blog posts on Radon.
It says radon levels in CDA are high.
The State of Idaho provides a little bit more information the the EPA Zone Map by classifying areas according to the percent of radon tests that measured radon levels higher that 3.9 pCi/L.
The percentage of tests measuring over 3.9 pCi/L in much of Kootenai County is over 50%. This means that chances are in favor in these areas that the residents without mitigation devices are living in homes with high levels of radon.
Yes, people are home longer and more often, meaning more exposure.
If you have started working from home or switched to a home gym, especially in the basement, then you may be exposed to a longer dose of high radon levels.
Read this article to learn more about the increased levels of radon exposure during the pandemic.
Yes, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
Take a look at this excellent resource from the State of Idaho to learn more.
First off, get your home tested. If the radon levels are high, get it mitigated.
We recommend using HHE to test (conflict of interest recognized!). We can provide hourly measurements over 2–4 day intervals as well as long term tests. See testing prices and types.
Otherwise, you can test yourself with a long term test from Radonova (no conflict of interest: we have no relationship to this company, except for the fact that we really like their products). We have found that their tests are very accurate and the most ‘fool proof’ to administer yourself.
Be careful who you call to test or mitigate. Currently, Idaho has no laws or regulations about who can test or mitigate a home. Please ensure that your tester or mitigator has training in radon testing and mitigation. The NRPP displays professional profiles for everyone NRPP-certified. There are many shortcuts that can be taken in the mitigation process, and we at HHE have sadly seen our share of poor mitigation systems done by untrained professionals.
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