News Release - 01/13/05

Surgeon General Releases National Health Advisory On Radon

U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona warned the American public about the risks of breathing indoor radon by issuing a national health advisory today. The advisory is meant to urge Americans to prevent this silent radioactive gas from seeping into their homes and building up to dangerous levels. Dr. Carmona issued the advisory during a two-day Surgeon General's Workshop on Healthy Indoor Environment.

"Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the county," Dr. Carmona said. "It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas, with no immediate health symptoms, that comes from the breakdown of uranium inside the earth. Simple test kits can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, one in every 15 homes nationwide have a high radon level at or above the recommended radon action level of 4 picoCuries (pCi/L) per liter of air.

National Health Advisory on Radon

Radon gas in the indoor air of America's homes poses a serious health risk. More than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer every year. Millions of homes have an elevated radon level. If you also smoke, your risk of lung cancer is much higher. Test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house. If you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more, take steps to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

"Americans need to know about the risks of indoor radon and have the information and tools they need to take action. That's why EPA is actively promoting the Surgeon General's advice urging all Americans to get their homes tested for radon. If families do find elevated levels in their homes, they can take inexpensive steps that will reduce exposure to this risk," said Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Based on national averages, we can expect that many of the homes owned or financed by federal government programs would have potentially elevated radon levels. The federal government has an opportunity to lead by example on this public health risk. We can accomplish this by using the outreach and awareness avenues we have, such as EPA's Web site, to share information and encourage action on radon to reduce risks," said Edwin Piñero, Federal Environmental Executive, Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE).

Facts about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):

• People typically spend more than 90% of their time indoors.
• Indoor air is up to 5 times more polluted that the air outside.
• The EPA has ranked indoor air quality as one of the top 5 environmental health risks.
• Asthma has increased 160% in the past 15 years.
• 50% of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality.
• Indoor levels of air pollutants can be 2-5 times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoor levels.

Common ways to improve Indoor Air Quality:

• Radon Mitigation Systems (RMS) - Radon mitigation systems for air greatly improve the overall indoor air quality of a home.  Radon systems vent not only radon but other soil gases trapped under the home.  These systems also actively dry the material under the home which controls dampness thus, keeping basements fresher for storage and finished living areas.
• HEPA Filtration - high efficiency particulate air filters, can remove at least 99.97% size of 0.3 microns.  These filters are mounted before the blower on the return air ductwork on your forced air heating or cooling system.
• Electronic and Media Air Cleaners - uses an electric chaged filter to zap particles as they pass through your forced air heating and air conditioning system.  Large media filters can also be used to trap large debris like pet hair and dust.  They are very effictive for people with alergies and even asthma.
• UV (Ultra Violet) - uses light to "disinfect" the air.  Any bacteria that passes through the light band is killed.  This system installs into the ductwork of the forced air heating or air conditioning system.
• Humidifiers - humidification is a great way to improve moisture levels and when installed properly is a great addition to an existing forced air system.  These systems mount to the supply air ductwork and, depending on model, are fan powered or by-pass.  These humidifiers can be fine tuned to the home-owners comfort levels.