Zoning In On Radon

January 30, 2015- Radon is once again in the news as recent testing in the Reading Prong, a geological formation that gives off radon gas as uranium decays, showed alarming levels of the colorless, odorless gas in several homes.

The U.S. Department of Environment Protection estimates that 15,000 to 22,000 of lung cancer deaths each year are caused by prolonged radon exposure.

In a recent online post, LehighValleyLive.com writes about how one house broke a Pennsylvania record for indoor radioactivity, at 3,715 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Health authorities recommend remediation of radon gas if it measures 4 pCi/L or above.

Here are the highlights of the Voxxi.com post, "Record Radon Levels In Lehigh County Drive Home The Need For Testing":

• The post includes a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Map of Radon Zones designed to help target resources and implement radon-related building codes. Zone 1 has the highest potential of indoor radon screening levels greater than 4 pCi/L, while Zone 2 has a moderate potential and Zone 3, a low potential. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones, the EPA notes.

• The latest radon testing numbers are a reminder to get homes tested, if they have not been already. Voxxi.com estimates that about 6 million people in Pennsylvania and New Jersey live in or along the Reading Prong, which runs through the Lehigh Valley, northwest New Jersey and southeast New York State. About 2.4 million homes in moderate- to high-risk areas have yet to be tested.


• Some progress has been made due to a 40 year public awareness campaign. Voxxi.com notes that most schools have been tested, new home construction includes radon removal systems as needed, and older homes and other buildings are required to be tested in many municipalities when they change owners. Nevertheless, a recent lehighvalleylive.com poll showed that 44 percent of respondents believe the threat of radon is overhyped, possibly because there's money to be made in testing and remediation.

• Home testing for radon is relatively inexpensive, $15 to $25 per kit. Mitigation systems typically cost  $1,000, more or less, depending on the size of a home and condition of the basement.

• The post closes with helpful information on obtaining kits, interpreting test data or finding a certified radon contractor.

Read the full LehighValleyLive.com editorial post here.

Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.