Utah Geological Survey Study Details Radon Hazard in Sevier Valley

A new study by the Utah Geological Survey shows the radon-hazard potential of the central Sevier Valley is highest in the south-central part of the valley between the city of Monroe and the community of Sevier, and northward along the edges of the valley to Richfield and Glenwood. The area of the valley studied runs from just north of Redmond to a point just south of Sevier.

Radon is the radioactive decay product of uranium. It moves through gases in the soil and can penetrate openings in building foundations and accumulate indoors in sufficient quantities to pose a health hazard.

"We can't predict specific indoor-radon levels but our study does confirm the potential for hazardous levels to occur," said Barry Solomon, a senior geologist with the the UGS. "In fact, our study shows that most of the central Sevier Valley falls into a moderate to high hazard potential category."

The complete study, Radon-Hazard Potential of the Central Sevier Valley, Sevier County, Utah, by Barry J. Solomon is available at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City. Mailing address: P.O. Box 146100, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6100; (801) 537-3320, fax (801) 537-3395.