An Ounce of Prevention: "Radon Awareness"

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January 2, 2007	A Publication of QVHD

Radon Awareness

By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that may threaten health in high concentration. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Any home in any community may have elevated levels of radon, even if other homes in the neighborhood do not. Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. An identified radon problem can be fixed.

Radon is formed by the breakdown of natural uranium in rocks and soil. In the open air, radon is so highly diluted that it poses no danger. When it seeps into homes, it becomes trapped and can build to levels of concern. As much as 55% of the radiation that people acquire over their lives comes from breathing in radon gas. Your risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to radon depends upon the concentration of radon and the length of time you are exposed. Smokers increase this risk ten-fold.

Any home can have a radon problem. Most radon enters homes through ground level openings such as pipes, drains, and foundation cracks. Most homes contain radon in the air. But the concentration of radon in the air varies greatly from insignificant to hazardous levels of contamination. The only sure way of knowing if your home contains excessive levels of radon is to TEST for radon.

Test for radon in the lowest level of your home containing a living area. Most hardware and building supply stores sell testing kits. Be sure the kit is EPA certified. Short-term tests take air sample from 2-90 days. A lab then analyzes the air sample and forwards the results to you. There are also longer-term tests. There are private companies that will conduct these types of radon tests.

If your home contains radon, cover and seal basement drains, pipes, and cracks. Because some entry points can be missed, retest immediately. Even if no radon is detected, retest every few years. (Entry points may open over time). A contractor can install a venting pipe system that will draw radon from under the house and direct it back into the outside air.

District residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 for written information on radon and a coupon for a discounted test kit. You can also contact the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-767-7236. Radon literature is available on the Internet at these sites:

www.epa.gov/iag/radon/index.html

www.dph.state/ct.us/BRS/Radon/radon_program.htm

For a more information, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone: 248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor & Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district office.


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203)248-4528 Fax. (203)248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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