Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 19, 1994 TAG: 9410190064
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY N. MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Still, relatively few people in this part of the state bother to get radon tests, even though the mountainous terrain makes it susceptible to high radon levels, according to an Environmental Protection Agency report.
This year, the American Lung Association is taking its message a step further.
Since Sunday, it has been giving away EPA-approved radon home test kits to the first 300 people who call (800)LUNG-USA. Callers will get their test kits in the mail in a few weeks.
The test kits - regularly $10 to $25 - are part of the second annual National Radon Action Week, which opens a yearlong campaign in Roanoke on radon awareness.
"This isn't something that's given a lot of public attention. That's why we're doing the giveaway," said Connie Bierly, program director for the American Lung Association. "It's the only way most people will know about [radon]."
That's because radon, a radioactive gas that forms when uranium decays in the soil, is odorless and colorless. It makes its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and walls or gaps around sump pumps and drains.
A three-step process can detect it, though, especially during cold weather when windows are closed.
First, the homeowner hangs the small test cannister in the lowest living area of the house for 48 hours. Next, the test is mailed back to the National Safety Council, which evaluates and returns the results in two to three weeks.
About 1 in every 15 homes has excessively high radon levels.
A high reading doesn't necessarily mean a high repair bill, Bierly said. Some repairs, such as sealing foundation cracks, can be done by the homeowner. A contractor approved by the EPA should handle more technical problems.
On average, it costs homeowners $500 to $2,500 to reduce a high radon level.
by CNB