In an effort to promote a healthier indoor environment for homes and other buildings, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated October 17th to the 24th as National Radon Awareness Week. Watch the EPA’s video HERE
Responsible for upwards of 20,000 deaths per year, radon is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer. Like carbon monoxide, it is odorless, and colorless and can only be detected by testing of air samples in the home/building. If high levels of radon are detected, the issue can be easily addressed.
A byproduct of the natural decay process of uranium, radon gas breaks down further to form radioactive particles that attach themselves to dust particles. These particles pose their danger when inhaled.
There are solutions that are moderately priced and easily adapted to both new and old buildings. The first step is to have your home tested. The EPA has an excelent guide to get you started, click on A Citizens Guide to Radon to read more from the EPA regarding testing, mitigation techniques, and more.
To view a more local resource, you can go to the New York State Department of Health site to find certified testing agencies and contractors certified in mitigation in your area. The U.S. Geological Survey has given the southern tier of New York State a “HIGH” rating in its “Generalized Geologic Radon Potential of the United States” mapping.
For a more technical breakdown of the science and medical implications of radon, visit National Radon Awareness Week.
The good news would be in the fact that in a world where we often have little immediate control over large scale pollutants, this is something we can control easily and begin to enjoy the benefits of a healthier home environment right away.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS