Pennsylvania DEP Encourages Homeowners to Test for Radon

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Department of 
Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary James M. Seif today
urged all Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon, an invisible 
gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the
United States. 

``High levels of radon have been detected in all 67 Pennsylvania 
counties,'' Seif said. ``Testing is easy, inexpensive and the only
way to know if your home has a radon problem.'' 

The reminder is part of DEP's Radon Awareness Month educational 
programs throughout October. 

Radon gas is produced from the natural breakdown of trace 
amounts of uranium in the soil. It seeps into homes through cracks
in the foundation or walls, construction joints -- even through the 
water supply. 

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The federal 
government's action level (or level at which steps should be
taken to reduce radon) is four pCi/L. 

DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimate that 
40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels greater
than four pCi/L, compared with the national average of just six 
percent. In fact, radon readings of greater than 20 pCi/L have
been found in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, and readings topping 
100 pCi/L (or 25 times the action level) have been found in
60 counties. 

In recognition of Radon Awareness Month, television stations 
across the state will air a public-service announcement about the
importance of testing homes for radon. 

The most common test for radon is a do-it-yourself, short-term 
charcoal canister test that's available for about $20 at most
hardware and home- improvement stores. Homeowners also can 
hire a state-certified company or individual to do the testing.
Pennsylvanians are encouraged to use devices or testing 
companies that are certified to perform radon testing or mitigation
work in the state. 

More information about radon is available by calling DEP's Radon 
Hotline, 1-800-23-RADON, or by visiting the DEP through
the Pennsylvania homepage at www.state.pa.us or directly at 
www.dep.state.pa.us (choose Subjects/Radiation
Protection/Radon). 
------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3149
  
sandyfl@earthlink.net
sperle@icnpharm.com

Personal Website: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1205
        
ICN Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening 
the mouth, is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -

The opinions expressed are solely, absolutely, positively, definitely those of the author, and NOT my employer

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