Date Published: 03/09/2006 [Source]
Last night as I listened to the news, they discussed Dana Reeves dying from lung cancer. She had never smoked and discussion ensued as to many people dying who hadn't smoked and why.
The Environmental Protection Agency has documented that 12 percent of lung-cancer deaths are attributed to radon exposure. Radon, a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas that seeps into our homes, converts a radon decay product that we inhale to negatively impact our lungs (especially if already breathing impaired.) This translates to approximately 22,000 deaths nationally and 350 in Colorado impacted by radon (Department of Health) each year.
Radon is the No. 2 cause of lung cancer. Leading organizations have joined EPA in stating that radon is a significant health concern and must be addressed. Awareness is a good start; a simple test of your home is the next step.
La Plata County is classified overall as Zone 2 (between 2-4 pico curies/liter). However, because the geology under each home is unique and construction is unique, the only way to determine the amount of radon decay is to do a simple test.
At a level of 10 pCi/l, if 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level, the risk of cancer from radon decay is 18 of 1,000 or comparable to a two-pack-a-day smoker. If one is a smoker, it increases to 150 of 1,000. For a home with a level of 4 pCi/l (upper limit by EPA), one who has never smoked has a 7/1000 chance of developing lung cancer. If one is a smoker, that number jumps to 6/100.
If you find high levels of radon decay products, there are simple techniques to bring indoor radon levels down to well within the "action level" established by EPA. When Durango tested in the mid-to late-1980s, repairs were expensive and recommendations were given out such as "seal up cracks and crevices in the basement" or "caulk around sumps." These are part of the fix, but by themselves, are not enough to bring levels down adequately. Homes now can be brought down well below 4 pCi/l. From the Extension Office by Wendy Rice
March 9, 2006