About 11% of the Limestone Homes Checked Show Radon
[2009-01-21]
Although radon exists nationwide, some of the highest levels of the radioactive gas are seen in areas of Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Lauderdale counties.
It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
About 11 percent of the Limestone County homes that have been tested have tested positive for radon.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is using the month of January to encourage homeowners to take action during this year's National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for elevated levels of radon. It is a serious public health hazard with a straightforward solution.
As part of the information campaign, all 30 school-based 4-H Clubs will have a lesson on radon and have a take-home sheet to share with parents. They will learn about radon and how they can have their home tested for radon.
Areas schools also held a poster contest to mark the month. Reagan Fichtner, a fifth-grader at Creekside Elementary School, took first place and $25. She also won third place in the state.
Radon is emitted from the breakdown of uranium from the earth. It dissipates through the open atmosphere but can become trapped in buildings. It causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Radon is not known to cause other illnesses or problems such as upper respiratory infections, colds or allergic reactions.
As with those who smoke, not everyone exposed to high levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the time between exposure and the onset of cancer may be many years.
Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. And, if discovered, trained mitigators can fix radon problems.
It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
About 11 percent of the Limestone County homes that have been tested have tested positive for radon.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is using the month of January to encourage homeowners to take action during this year's National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for elevated levels of radon. It is a serious public health hazard with a straightforward solution.
As part of the information campaign, all 30 school-based 4-H Clubs will have a lesson on radon and have a take-home sheet to share with parents. They will learn about radon and how they can have their home tested for radon.
Areas schools also held a poster contest to mark the month. Reagan Fichtner, a fifth-grader at Creekside Elementary School, took first place and $25. She also won third place in the state.
Radon is emitted from the breakdown of uranium from the earth. It dissipates through the open atmosphere but can become trapped in buildings. It causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Radon is not known to cause other illnesses or problems such as upper respiratory infections, colds or allergic reactions.
As with those who smoke, not everyone exposed to high levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the time between exposure and the onset of cancer may be many years.
Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. And, if discovered, trained mitigators can fix radon problems.
Source: http://www.enewscourier.com
Keywords:Limestone
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