A previous radon survey occurred at NSA Bethesda in 2016 with additional radon retesting occurring periodically afterwards. Starting January 2025, a radon retesting survey will be conducted to determine indoor radon gas levels at selected locations within NSA Bethesda. This survey is being conducted as a routine task here at NSAB as well as other Naval Installations service wide and at other facilities of the Armed Forces.
The survey is not being conducted as a proactive step to ensure our service members and employees live and work in a healthy environment. If elevated levels of radon are found, steps will be taken to formulate a plan for corrective action.
We ask for cooperation from everyone in making sure the test devices are not disturbed throughout the required full year they will be in place.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of minerals found in certain geologies. It is not because of any man-made pollution, such as landfills or illegal dumping, but rather natural occurring radon.
What does radon do to me?
Exposure to elevated levels of radon over extended periods of time can increase the potential for lung cancer. This is why the U.S. Navy is taking steps to identify potential concerns.
Is radon only a concern for Bethesda?
No, radon can be present in any structure that is constructed over radon producing soils or geologies. Personal residence can be of particular concern, especially with the amount of time that you and your family members spend there. That is why the U.S. EPA as well as many state agencies recommends that all homeowners and schools test for radon.
A radon map from U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. EPA depicts high radon potential areas across the country and in Maryland. The map indicates elevated indoor radon can occur in many more areas than Bethesda. However, the area within Montgomery County is known to have a high frequency of elevated levels of radon in homes. It is highly recommended that in addition to this survey, that you test your own home. To learn more about radon and how you can test your own home, see the links at the bottom of this page.
Key things to remember about the survey:
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The devices will be attached to walls
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They will be in place for a minimum of 91 days
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Because radon comes from the ground, only lower portions of a selected building will be tested
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They pose no health risk and do not contain electronic recording instrumentation of any kind.
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Please do not disturb the devices
Should a device fall to the floor or need to be temporarily moved, please contact Alexia Martinez, alexia.a.martinez.civ@us.navy.mil at (301) 295-6398.
To learn more about radon and how to take steps to assure a safe environment in your own home, please visit the following websites:
U.S. EPA Radon Website
Where a great deal of information regarding radon and how it is dealt with is found.
U.S. EPA - Citizen’s Guide to Radon
Explains the potential health risks of prolonged radon exposure.
U.S. EPA - Consumer’s Guide to Radon
Explains how radon can easily be reduced.
Radon in Montgomery County
Discusses important radon information pertinent to Montgomery County.
National Radon Program Services
Resource to obtain a test kit to determine radon exposures in your home.
Maryland Department of Health Radon Page
Provides information and resources related to radon for the state of Maryland.