EPA lists Bradley County at risk for radon

OUR COUNTY
D. GARY DAVIS
COUNTY MAYOR

EPA lists Bradley County at risk for radon

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared January as Radon Action Month. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is produced during the normal decay of uranium found in the earth’s crust and is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air. However, when radon is trapped in buildings, especially at elevated levels, it poses a significant health risk. Bradley County has been identified as a zone one high risk area in Tennessee with the high potential for indoor radon problems.

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. and the number one cause among non-smokers with more than 21,000 deaths attributed to radon exposure each year. One in 15 homes across the United States has elevated radon levels. In Tennessee the EPA estimates that 70 percent of the population lives in moderate to high risk radon areas. It follows then that a substantial number of Bradley County residents are at risk of radon exposure. In light of these concerns my office is cooperating with the EPA, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen who has proclaimed January as "Radon Action Month, The purpose is to bring awareness to the public about this hidden danger.
 
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and due to the differences in soil any home in Bradley County may have an elevated level of this gas This is true even if the houses are in the same neighborhood. This means you could be one of the 70 percent at risk. The good news is, testing for radon is simple and inexpensive and the problem can be fixed.

First, if you plan to build a new home TDEC recommends installing one or more radon escape stacks at the time of construction. When purchasing a new home, require a radon test prior to closing. Those who live in existing homes in Bradley County should seriously consider testing their home for excessive radon and installing a radon removal system if needed.

Radon test kits are inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement centers. Limited quantities of free test kits are also available through the Tennessee Radon Program. You can learn more about the program at www.tn.gov/environment/ea/radon. The toll free number is 1-800-232-1139.

Here are a couple of additional facts about radon. Daily exposure to 4 picocuries of the gas is equivalent to smoking a half pack of cigarettes a day. One year’s exposure to 10 picocuries is equal to having 500 chest x-rays each year.

I encourage you to be proactive. Your best defense against this silent killer is a good offense. Visit the TDEC web site above. Learn all the facts and get a radon test kit. The only way to know is to test.