UGS Study Details Radon Hazard in Western Salt Lake County

A new study by the Utah Geological Survey indicates the radon-hazard potential of western Salt Lake County is mainly moderate to high. The UGS identified this area for further study following a 1988 statewide survey conducted by the Utah Division of Radiation Control. That survey measured locally high indoor-radon levels in the area.

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

"The hazard potential in this part of the valley appears highest along the slopes of the Oquirrh Mountains with some localized areas of low hazard potential near Granger and Magna, and along the Jordan River near Midvale and Riverton," said Bill Black, a geologist with the UGS. "Most other areas in the valley fall into the moderate hazard level."

Black stresses that the study is not designed to predict specific indoor-radon levels, only that the potential for hazardous levels does occur. Low-cost, "do-it-yourself" radon test kits are available in retail outlets, or a trained contractor may be hired. Additional information about indoor testing may be obtained from the Utah Division of Radiation Control at 536-4250.

The complete study, Radon-Hazard Potential of Western Salt Lake Valley, Salt Lake County, Utah, by Bill D. Black is available at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, or may be ordered by calling (801) 537-3320, fax (801) 537-3395.