In observance of National Radon Action Month, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is notifying residents of how they can get a free test kit for their home and how to reduce their exposure. There is no safe level of radon exposure.
“Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless,” explains Bonnie Deakins, Director of Environmental Health at the Health Department, “It enters the home through cracks and openings, and all homes regardless of age, energy-efficiency, or foundation type are at risk. The only way to know is to test that home.”
Radon occurs throughout Tennessee with Hamilton County specifically at a moderate risk. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. Smokers exposed to higher levels of radon are at greater risk for lung cancer than smoking alone.
To reduce your risk:
· Test your home or business with the free kit from the Tennessee Radon Program, operated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Structures should be retested every 3-5 years. Flooding and saturated ground can produce artificially lower test results. The results are emailed to the owner.
· If the level is determined to be dangerous, contact a qualified contractor who specializes in radon mitigation. Although Tennessee does not regulate this type of work, it is suggested to use contractors certified or trained by either the National Radon Proficiency Program (nrpp.info) or the National Radon Safety Board (nrsb.org). In any case, it is advisable to check with the Better Business Bureau, get references, and obtain several bids.
· New homes can be built with radon-resistant techniques. These systems can be selling points in the future. Talk to a realtor about radon in real estate transactions.
· If you smoke, lessen your risk by quitting. Call the Quit Line for a free personal cessation coach, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department does not perform testing but residents can call Sabrina Novak for general radon information at (423) 209-8073.