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The Correlation Between Radon Levels and Rock Types
By Brian Yang ’25
For my science fair project this year, I correlated 531,799 radon measurements from 241 zip codes in five PA counties (Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Bucks and Philadelphia) and correlated it to the geology of these counties in order to assess if there was a correlation between radon level and rock type.
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My analysis found that there is a statistically significant correlation between elevated radon levels and sedimentary rock, notably shale. The strength of my study lies in the sheer number of radon measurements, 531,799 measurements, which were obtained over 32 years. (1990-2022). Of the five counties, Lehigh County, had the highest average radon measurements of 11.5 pCi/L.
Why is this significant? Radon is a carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon has also been associated with the development of other cancers such as breast cancer, melanoma, and hematologic malignancies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigation if tests come back higher than 4 pCi/L, which is the equivalent to smoking 8 cigarettes/day or 200 chest x-rays/year. Unfortunately, radon testing is not required in
Pennsylvania, the state with the third highest average radon in the nation. An improved understanding of the relationship between geology and radon levels could help us focus on where to concentrate testing.
I presented my data at the 2023 Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Research Fair which took place on March 10, 2023, at Lehigh University. I also competed at the Delaware Valley Science Fair at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.
I had the privilege of presenting my study to PA State Rep, Milou Mackenzie, who represents District 131, the district with some of the highest levels of radon ever measured in the US. I also presented my study to PA State Rep, Mike Schlossberg, who represents District 132, which also has high levels of radon. I also had the opportunity to present my study to the Upper Saucon Township Environmental Board. It has been a great experience to meet with local state representatives in order to raise awareness of this environmental carcinogen and to press for more testing.
