RADON ASSESSMENT AT NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY ANNAPOLIS

Throughout 2017 and 2018, an assessment will be conducted to determine indoor radon gas levels at selected locations within Naval Support Activity Annapolis. This assessment is being conducted as a routine task here at NSAA as well as other Naval Installations service wide and at other facilities of the Armed Forces. 

The assessment is not being conducted because of a known concern, but rather 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. 

NSAA Radon POC: (410) 293-1026

PDF: NSAA Radon Fact Sheet

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.

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.

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.

The map below was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. EPA, and depicts high radon potential areas across the country (shown in red). As illustrated by the map, 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: 

• The devices will be attached to walls, bookcases.

• They will be in place for one year.

• Because radon comes from the ground, only lower portions of a selected building will be tested.

• They pose no health risk and do not contain electronic recording instrumentation of any kind.

• Please do not disturb the devices. 

Additional Information:

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 Information about radon, how to test for it, and how to reduce radon in your home.

• U.S. EPA - Citizen's Guide to Radon Discusses the potential health risks of prolonged radon exposure.

• U.S. EPA - Consumer's Guide to Radon How radon can be easily reduced.

• National Radon Program Services Obtain a test kit for measuring the radon exposure in your home.

• Maryland Department of Health Radon Page Obtain a test kit to determine radon exposures in your home.