Radon, an invisible and odorless gas, is a significant yet often overlooked health risk, particularly in areas where military personnel are stationed. Over 30 major U.S. military installations, with a concentration in Air Force and Army bases, are located in EPA “Zone 1″—the highest radon exposure potential. This zone includes bases where service members may be unknowingly exposed to elevated radon levels, contributing to a heightened risk of lung cancer. The below locations are just those located within the Red Zone, “Zone 1” – this is major installations, not all-inclusive.
Bases in Zone 1:
- Fairchild AFB, WA
- Malmstrom AFB, MT
- Minot AFB, ND
- Grand Forks, ND
- Mountain Home, ID
- F.E. Warren, WY
- Vandenberg AFB, CA
- U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
- Buckley AFB, CO
- Peterson SFB, CO
- Schriever SFB, CO
- Cheyenne Mountain, CO
- Offutt, NE
- McConnell, KS
- Whiteman, MO
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Joint Base Andrews, MD
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, DC
- Hanscom AFB, MA
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ
- Fort McCoy, WI
- Fort Riley, KS
- Fort Leavenworth, KS
- Fort Campbell, KY
- Fort Knox, KY
- Fort Belvoir, VA
- Fort Detrick, VA
- Fort Meade, MD
- Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA
- Fort Lee (Gregg-Adams), VA
- Fort A.P. Hill (Walker), VA
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point), NY
- Natick Soldier Systems Center, MA
- Rock Island Arsenal, Blue Grass Army Depot, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Picatinny Arsenal, etc.
What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?
Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the decay of uranium and thorium found in the Earth’s soil and rocks. This gas can seep into buildings, especially through cracks in foundations or poorly ventilated areas like basements. Once trapped indoors, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels.
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right behind smoking. In fact, it’s responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. The risk is particularly concerning for military families who may spend years living in homes with elevated radon levels without realizing the potential danger. Long-term exposure to radon, even at relatively low concentrations, significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially when combined with other risk factors like smoking.
The Scale of Radon Exposure in the U.S.
On average, Americans are exposed to 300 to 350 millirems (mrem) of radiation each year from natural sources. Of this, radon contributes a substantial 200 mrem. This exposure is cumulative, meaning the longer the exposure, the higher the radiation dose and, consequently, the greater the risk.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that living in a home with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) for just one year increases lung cancer risk by 1 in 1,000 for non-smokers and 1 in 100 for smokers. When service members are reassigned every 3 to 4 years, the total exposure might seem short compared to the typical 15-30-year latency period for radon-related lung cancer. However, even relatively brief exposure can slightly increase cancer risk—especially in high radon zones.
How does Radon Enter a Building (Home, Barracks, etc.)
Radon enters a building through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, or floors and through joints, pipes, and sump pumps – which is why it is more common in the Northern states and older homes. It is drawn into the building by the natural air pressure differences between the inside of the house and the surrounding soil. This process is known as the “stack effect,” where warm air rises inside the building and creates a vacuum that pulls radon from the ground into lower levels, such as basements or crawlspaces. Poor ventilation in these areas allows the gas to accumulate to dangerous levels. Since radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is virtually undetectable without specialized testing, making it particularly hazardous for people unaware of its presence.
The Impact of Military Relocation and Short-Term Exposure
Many military personnel move frequently—every 3 to 4 years—compared to the typical 15 to 30-year period associated with the development of radon-induced lung cancer. However, short-term exposure to high radon levels can still have lasting health consequences. While the chances of developing lung cancer may seem low after only a few years in an elevated radon environment, the cumulative risk increases over time.
For example, the EPA’s calculations show that living in a home with radon levels of 4 pCi/L for four years could increase the risk of lung cancer to approximately 1 in 250 for non-smokers and 1 in 25 for smokers. Given that service members may be stationed in high-radon areas and unknowingly exposed, this elevated risk is a cause for concern.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing the radon risk in military housing is crucial for safeguarding the health of service members and their families. Here are a few steps that can help reduce exposure:
- Radon Testing: Military bases and housing areas must conduct regular radon testing to identify potential hot spots. But you shouldn’t wait – we also suggest completing testing independently. Below are three trusted tests that you can do within your home.
Military Installations Testing and Information:
Like most things, the Department of Defense does not do the most stellar job with records keeping (with CIF being the one exception), and this was documented in 2020 by the DOD Inspector General, the report titled “Evaluation of the DoD’s Management of Health and Safety Hazards in Government-Opwned and Government-Controlled Military and Family Housing” can be viewed here.
The Navy has done a much better job. They seem to conduct Radar testing and assessments frequently. Those base reports can be found here. We have not found the data for the Marine Corps, Army, or Air Force.
For those who are no longer in service but have purchased a home in a Zone 1 area, the following states DO NOT REQUIRE that the seller disclose radon levels in the house: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. So, if you live in one of these states (especially Zone 1), we suggest doing your at-home test. More so, only 22 states require radon testing, and 15 require (if positive) remediation – those states can be found here.
Conclusion
Radon is a silent and often underestimated health risk, especially in areas where military personnel and their families live. With over 30 major U.S. military bases in radon-prone regions, the military and the public need to recognize the potential dangers of prolonged radon exposure. Even short-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer, and given the frequent relocations of military families, the cumulative effect of this exposure is concerning. By taking proactive measures to test for and mitigate radon, we can help protect those who serve our country from this hidden danger.
