Wisconsin Radon Levels
Zone 1 counties have predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (red zones)
Highest Potential
Zone 2 counties have predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (orange zones)
Moderate Potential
Zone 3 counties have predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (yellow zones)
Low Potential
Radon is naturally occuring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is formed by natural breakdown of uranium in rock, soil, and water
Radon gas moves up through the soil and can be drawn into our homes by slight pressure differences. Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels
EPA estimates nearly 20,0000 people die each year with lung cancer related to radon. The risk of lung cancer due to radon increases tremendoulsy if you smoke.
Radon Risk If You Smoke
| Radon Level |
If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime... |
| 20 pCi/L |
About 260 people could get lung cancer |
| 10 pCi/L |
About 150 people could get lung cancer |
| 8 pCi/L |
About 120 people could get lung cancer |
| 4 pCi/L |
About 62 people could get lung cancer |
| 2 pCi/L |
About 32 people could get lung cancer |
| 1.3 pCi/L |
About 20 people could get lung cancer |
| 0.4 pCi/L |
About 3 people could get lung cancer |
Radon Risk If You've Never Smoked
| Radon Level |
If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime... |
| 20 pCi/L |
About 36 people could get lung cancer |
| 10 pCi/L |
About 18 people could get lung cancer |
| 8 pCi/L |
About 15 people could get lung cancer |
| 4 pCi/L |
About 7 people could get lung cancer |
| 2 pCi/L |
About 4 person could get lung cancer |
| 1.3 pCi/L |
About 2 people could get lung cancer |
| 0.4 pCi/L |
|
What is tested to determin a counties radon level?
The map was developed using five factors to determine radon potential:
- Indoor Radon Measurements
- Geology
- Aerial Radioactivity
- Soil Permeability
- Foundation Type
State Breakdown
Rankings are based off the average zone rating for all counties in the state. Rankings are from the highest potential risk to the lowest potential risk.