Essential Spotlight
A Healthy Home is Key to a Healthy Life:
Test Your Home for Radon
things my laboratories do well, is test for radon. Too many people do not know that radon is present in their homes and a simple test can tell them that the air they breathe or the water they drink is free from radon. A recent study conducted by Harvard Univer- sity ranks radon gas as America’s top in-home hazard. The World Health Organization states that as many as 14% of lung cancer deaths are caused by radon.
R What is radon? Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can't see,
smell or taste radon; however, it may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, the toxic gas can cause lung cancer.
It is estimated that 21,000 people diagnosed with
lung cancer have been linked to elevated levels of radon gas, causing tens of thousands of deaths each year. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Smoking is the only activity that causes more lung cancer deaths than radon. If you smoke and your home also has elevated radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is significantly increased.
How is radon created? Radon is a radioactive gas that is created by the natural decay
of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Many sources of air- borne radon include degassing of well water indoors and entry of soil gas into dwellings. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem including old and new homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
What makes it cancer–causing? Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get
trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As the particles break down further, they release small bursts of energy. This can dam- age lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years.
How do I test for radon and what is the cost?
1.Simply pick up a kit at one of the NEL laboratories located in Westbrook and Winslow (or call to have one mailed to you). Instructions and a form to complete regarding your sample are included. The cost for each test submitted is $45.
2.Sample Collection: Specific step by step instructions are in- cluded with each kit.
3.Place samples back in the kit. Include the completed paperwork along with payment and deliver (or mail) to the lab for testing.
adon remains a leading cause of cancer. Many people ask me “Why do I have to test, what is the big deal?” I am very passionate about what we do at NEL and one of the many
What can you do to get rid of radon?
There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the out- side. This system, known as Sub Slab Depressurization, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost efficient. Similar systems can also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors can use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.
Who is NEL?
Northeast Laboratory Services (NEL) has been in the environ- mental testing business for over 45 years and is one of the largest full-service testing laboratories in the State of Maine, performing radon analyses for over 20 years. NEL specializes in the analysis of drinking water, radon, asbestos, food, indoor air quality (mold testing), waste water, and ground water. The mission of NEL has al- ways been to promote a healthy and safe environment by advanc- ing science, principles, and education. NEL is not only committed to protecting and improving healthy environments in our public and private buildings, but the health and well-being of all the people in our great State of Maine, now and in the future. We are certified with the National Radon Safety Board and the State of Maine. We work closely with the State of Maine, the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council, home inspection and mitigation profession- als on radon projects for both the private and public sectors. Our clients are diverse, including home owners, home inspectors, professionals practicing industrial hygiene, including occupational health and independent organizations. The radiological depart- ment is capable of performing radon air and water analysis, using the latest technologies.
I have very briefly skimmed the surface of our capabilities
which are far too diverse to mention here, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what NEL is capable of providing to the environ- mental community. I sincerely hope if anyone needs help or has questions they reach out to our diverse and experienced team. We pride ourselves on being a dedicated company assisting with environmental testing and it would be our pleasure to assist you in any way needed.
We can be reached from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST at 207.873.7711, toll free 1-800-244-8378 or via toll free fax at 877.329.6357.
My name is Beau Mears and I am the President and CEO at Northeast Laboratory Services. I am always available for your calls and I can be reached personally at extension 331. See ad on page 17.
www.EssentialLivingMaine.com
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