Radon
risk taken lightly?
The health risk posed by
residential radon exposure may be 50 percent higher than
indicated by previous studies, say University of Iowa
researchers. They examined several exposure assessment methods
used in previous residential radon studies that were done in
North America, Europe and China. Those epidemiological models
looked for associations between radon exposure and lung cancer
rates. The USEPA says 15,000, or nearly 10 percent, of all
lung cancer deaths in the United States are attributable to
radon. The USEPA recommends that homes be fixed if the
occupantsﾒ long-term
radon exposure averages 4 picocouries per liter (pCi/L). The
average indoor radon level in the United States is 1.3 pCi/L.
Itﾒs
suggested that radon detecting devices be bought, or hire a
qualified radon tester to check the homeﾒs
radon levels. Most radon repairs cost between $800 to $2,500
(1999) They may include installing underground pipes and an exhaust
system to expel the radon, or sealing cracks and other
openings in floors and walls. For more information about
radon, go to the USEPA or National Safety Council websites (www.epa.gov
or www.nsc.org).
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