Irvine, CA (PressExposure) May 01, 2010 -- Radon is a radioactive gas responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to William Angell, President of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists. He adds, "Radon exposure in homes and schools is the direct result of the way our homes and classrooms are designed and built."
While the U.S. radon program has made important progress, there are more homes with elevated radon than any time in our history, according to Angell.
Steve Zivolich, of Guaranteed Property Inspections, reported that less than 5% of new home buyers are authorizing Radon testing during their real estate transaction. According to Zivolich, "Radon testing is the only way to determine if levels of concern are present in a home. In addition, the test can be completed with 48 hours".
Last September, the World Health Organization recommended that all countries improve the rate of radon testing, mitigation of existing homes, and radon control systems in new homes. WHO also called for countries to consider radon guidelines a third lower than that of the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 4 picoCurie/liter Threshold for Action.
The Act is expected to include new Federal initiatives for certification and licensing of radon testing laboratories and professionals, testing and mitigation of radon threats in federally owned housing, school radon testing and reduction, greater radon control in new homes, notification of radon to home buyers, and research and development.
Elizabeth Hoffmann, Founder and President of Cancer Survivors Against Radon, joined the Senator at this news conference. Hoffmann, a never smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer that was attributed to elevated radon concentrations in her Milwaukee-area home.