Agencies urge checks on homes during Radon Action Month

By Jason E. Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

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The American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are urging residents to take a stand to protect their families against radon gas.

The odorless, colorless, tasteless pollutant, which can cause lung cancer, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the first leading cause of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked. The EPA estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon related, a KDHE statement said.

January is Radon Action Month in Kansas.

Radon is formed from the decay of radium beneath the earth's surface, and it can enter homes through cracks and other openings in foundations and floors. Simple repairs can reduce the possibility of radon gas entering a home.

Radon is going undetected in homes across the country. It causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposure can be deadly. The EPA estimates that as many as one in 15 homes across the U.S. has elevated radon levels. Some areas have higher levels than others. Kansas radon measurement data currently shows about 40 percent of measurements performed in Kansas are elevated (14,344 out of 35,645 measurements), the KDHE statement said.

Kansas Radon Program Coordinator Brian Hanson said Wednesday that while radon is not a major problem in most parts of Bourbon County, homeowners are still encouraged to have their homes checked for safety reasons.

"Every home should be tested," he said. "That is the recommendation."

According to information that Hanson provided, the highest levels of radon discovered in Bourbon County are in the north central and southwest portions of the county, while the southeastern and eastern parts of the county only show moderate signs of radon activity.

Simple test kits, which are easy to use and affordable, can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. Building codes in Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan require new homes to be built using radon-resistant techniques, and additional cities in Kansas are considering this modification to their building codes. Testing is critical, because it is the only way to know if a building has significant concentrations of radon, the KDHE statement said.

Radon test kits can be obtained by contacting any county extension office in Kansas or by calling the American Lung Association at (800) 586-4872. They can also be purchased at many local hardware and builder's supply stores. A list of certified testers and radon mitigation contractors is also available from the state program office by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at (800) 694-5343.

A spokeswoman for the Bourbon County Research and Extension Office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse said Wednesday that she has four radon testing kits currently available at a cost of $5 each, and that she would be ordering more soon to meet the demand for people who will soon have their homes tested. Brochures and other information on radon can be obtained by calling the office at (620) 223-3800.

Kansas residents who are considering building a new home should request their homebuilder to use radon resistant techniques to reduce radon levels in their new home. Additional information on these techniques can be obtained from the Kansas Radon Program.

The American Lung Association HelpLine is a source of clear and accurate information on radon and other lung health issues. The HelpLine is unique in having professional, certified staff who are qualified to answer questions. Free counseling with registered nurses, respiratory therapists and quit-smoking specialists is available by calling (800) 586-4872. The line is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Assistance for the hearing impaired is available by calling (800) 501-1068.

For more information about radon, visit the state radon program Web site at http://radon.oznet.ksu.e