Katerina Swanson
Buried fuel tanks have been linked to a host of environmental and health concerns, including the risk of radon exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and is released from bedrock material, passing through the soil and into enclosed spaces such as buildings. Radon exposure has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, and it is believed that it enters buildings through cracks, gaps, and openings that allow the gas to seep through. Buried fuel tanks, particularly aging ones, pose a risk of corrosion and leaks, which can contaminate groundwater sources and release harmful substances, including radon gas. Therefore, it is essential for homeowners to be vigilant about the presence of buried fuel tanks and take proactive measures to address any potential hazards to protect their health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Buried fuel tanks can leak and contaminate the ground
Buried fuel tanks can cause soil and groundwater contamination if they leak. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining, repairing, upgrading, removing the oil tank, and paying for any contamination cleanup. This can be costly and time-consuming, and it is recommended that homeowners be proactive in managing the presence of a buried oil tank.
The risk of leakage from buried fuel tanks is significant. When checked during routine tests or in connection with removal or replacement, about one in two tanks is found to have some sort of leak. The cause is usually condensation settling at the bottom of the tank, which over time corrodes the steel. This corrosion can lead to leaks, resulting in the pollution of the local groundwater supply.
The presence of a buried fuel tank can also negatively impact a property's value and make the owner vulnerable to liability for environmental damage caused to neighbouring properties or city property. Buyers should include the possibility of environmental hazards, such as buried fuel tanks, on their due diligence list when house hunting. Some homeowners only become aware of the presence of a buried fuel tank when they go to sell their homes or require certification for insurance purposes.
If you suspect the presence of a buried fuel tank on your property, it is essential to take precautionary measures. Testing for leaks is advisable, and in the case of confirmed or suspected soil contamination, it is crucial to hire a qualified company to remove the tank and remediate the soil and groundwater. Homeowners should also consult local regulations and requirements to ensure proper disposal of the tank and documentation of the remediation process.
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Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas
Radon poses a health risk when it accumulates in enclosed spaces, such as buildings, and does not dilute quickly in indoor air. High concentrations of indoor radon are particularly dangerous, as prolonged exposure through inhalation can increase the risk of lung cancer. The IAEA has established safety standards to protect people's health by setting concentration limits for radon in homes and workplaces.
Radon can also dissolve and accumulate in groundwater sources, such as water pumps or drilled wells, especially in uranium-rich geological areas. While epidemiological studies have not confirmed a link between consuming radon-containing water and an increased risk of stomach cancer, the release of radon into the air during routine water use can pose a risk of lung cancer when inhaled.
The presence of radon is influenced by geographical factors, such as the volume of uranium in an area and the types of rocks present. All rocks contain uranium, but certain types have higher levels of uranium content. Additionally, construction techniques, ventilation systems, and indoor air pressure can impact the concentration of radon in buildings.
Radon testing is recommended for all homeowners to ensure the protection of their health, as it is an invisible and odourless hazard that can have serious consequences.
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Radon is produced by the decay of natural radioactive metals
Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Uranium decays into radium-226, which in turn decays into radon. Radon can also be produced by the decay of thorium, which is found in rocks such as granite, gneiss, and schist. This process results in the creation of radon-220, which is not considered dangerous. The most harmful form of radon is radon-222, which has a long decay rate and can accumulate indoors, posing a significant health risk to humans.
Radon is released from bedrock and passes through the soil, diluting in the air before entering buildings. However, radon does not dilute as quickly indoors and tends to accumulate, leading to increased radiation exposure for the occupants. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in the floor, gaps in construction, windows, drains, or spaces around cables and pipes. The use of certain building materials, such as lightweight concrete with alum shale, phosphogypsum, and Italian tuff, can also contribute to significant indoor radon concentrations.
The presence of radon in indoor environments is a preventable risk factor that can be mitigated through effective policies and regulations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for radon concentrations in homes and workplaces to protect public health. Radon concentrations can be reduced through various corrective actions, such as preventing radon from entering indoor spaces and manipulating indoor air pressure. Additionally, the thermal retrofitting of existing buildings and improving ventilation rates can help lower radon levels.
Radon exposure is a significant health concern as it is a major cause of lung cancer. Studies have confirmed that even low to moderate concentrations of radon, commonly found in residential buildings and workplaces, pose health risks and contribute to the occurrence of lung cancers worldwide. The risk of lung cancer increases by about 16% for every 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-term average radon concentration. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of radon, through inhalation, significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and regulate radon levels in indoor environments to protect public health.
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Radon can enter buildings through cracks and gaps
Radon is a radioactive gas with no colour, smell or taste. It is released from bedrock material and passes through the soil. Radon may enter buildings through cracks in the floor, gaps in construction, windows, drains or spaces around cables and pipes. This is particularly common in temperate and cold regions due to the pressure-driven flow of gas, which arises because buildings are normally at a slight underpressure compared to the pressure under the building.
Radon does not dilute in indoor air as quickly as it does outdoors and tends to accumulate in enclosed spaces. High concentrations of indoor radon are particularly dangerous, as prolonged exposure through inhalation significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon concentrations indoors tend to differ among countries and even individual buildings due to differences in climate, construction techniques, types of ventilation provided, and other factors.
Most building materials produce an insignificant amount of radon naturally. However, some specific materials can act as significant sources of radon exposure. These materials tend to have a combination of high levels of Radium-226 (which decays into radon) and high porosity, allowing the radon gas to escape. Examples include lightweight concrete with alum shale, phosphogypsum, and Italian tuff. The use of material from old uranium tailings (by-products of uranium mining) as filling under buildings can also contribute to high radon concentrations indoors.
Radon testing is easy and inexpensive, and it is recommended for all homeowners to ensure their families are protected from this harmful gas. Testing for radon gas can be done through long-term tests (more than 90 days) to account for natural changes in radon levels over time. This testing is recommended even in areas of lower risk.
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Radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer
Radon exposure is a serious public health problem and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, killing thousands of Americans every year. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon exposure causes about 15,000 lung cancer deaths per year, with an uncertainty range of 8,000 to 45,000. Major scientific organizations believe that radon contributes to approximately 12% of lung cancers annually in the US.
The link between radon and lung cancer has been firmly established over the past four decades through studies in people and in the lab. The elevated lung cancer risk was first noticed in uranium miners, who worked in confined spaces underground for long periods. This led scientists to consider that radon exposure could be a wider problem. Studies have since found high radon levels in homes, especially in areas where houses are sealed for heating and cooling for much of the year.
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, colour or taste. It is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. As radon escapes from the ground into the air, it decays and produces further radioactive particles. When we breathe, these particles are deposited on the cells lining the airways, where they can damage DNA and potentially cause lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases by about 16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-time average radon concentration. The risk of lung cancer increases proportionally with increasing radon exposure.
The risk of radon exposure is particularly high for smokers, due to the synergistic effects of radon and smoking. Smokers are estimated to be 20 to 25 times more at risk from radon than non-smokers. For smokers, about 62 in 1,000 will die of lung cancer, compared to 7.3 in 1,000 for non-smokers.
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