RDS Radon News Blog

New Radon Outreach Video

WHO Radon Handbook

The World Health Organization has published their guidance on radon.  It is a very well done study with excellent suggestions.

There has been some confusion about the WHO's Action Level.  They suggest that it should be 2.7pCi/l.  The US EPA has set it at 4.0pCi/l.  Illinois follows the EPA guidelines.  We will continue to recommend action at the 4.0pCi/l guideline as set by the EPA.

Download US_Highlights_WHO_Rn_Handbook

Download WHO Handbook

Friends at CanSAR request your help.

Act Up Now! On Radon! A Campaign to Change Radon Policy & Save Lives  by AARST & CanSAR May 5, 2009

I am writing to ask for your help in committing to our Campaign to Save Lives -- Act Up Now! On Radon!     Will you write to our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. - Today?      Click here if you will:      YES! I'll do it TODAY!   If you do, ask them to work for effective radon policies that save lives, ask them for policies that won't ignore this reality:   Real people are dying each day from a silent radioactive killer - Radon.    You've heard the old adage, "If you want something done, do it yourself."

That's what I thought after my husband, Joe, died of lung cancer, and I found out that we had been living with over four times the EPA radon action level for 18 years.     "There must be a law," I thought.    So I've devoted my life to the education of legislators and citizens about the fact that radon causes lung cancer and that it can be prevented.    In January, (thanks to AARST), CanSAR members Liz Hoffmann, Barb Sorgatz, Marlene MacEwan, AARST members and I, sought the support from U.S. Representatives and Senators for Real Radon Policies and Real Risk Reduction.  We got an enthusiastic reaction from these leaders.   This month, CanSAR and the American Radon Policy Coalition (ARPC) of AARST are introducing national legislation to the U.S. Congress, but we need your direct help, leadership and commitment.     There hasn't been any definitive action by our government in 20 years and people continue to die needlessly.  Action needs to be taken to prevent these deaths.   Write Our Leaders in Washington today - We've made it easy to do.  You can help by going to our web site and downloading sample letters to send to your Representatives and Senators (Congress Link) and the new EPA Administrator , Lisa P. Jackson (EPA Administrator Link.)  Please write today and make a difference with your actions.   Radon represents a most significant part of the annual radiation exposure to our citizens, and it can be prevented!  No longer should this fact be swept under the carpet.  Please pass this on.  Spread the word.  Your action can make a difference and help save lives.  In the U.S., up to 25,000 people lose their lives to radon-induced lung cancer each year.     I ask you write President Obama to seek a change in Radon Policy in the EPA. http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/         Please tell him that with the present policy, people are still dying everyday in our nation, that millions of Americans are uninformed about the deadly power of radon, and that a more effective policy is a necessity.  It's as simple as that.   If you want a sample letter for the President, go to: (Write President Obama About Radon.)  These deaths are preventable and we must make changes in radon policies happen.  With a contribution of $20 to $50 or more, you can help CanSAR activists succeed in convincing our federal government to accept responsibility for the protection of our citizens.   These contributions will help us hire full time representation in Washington.    Contribute to the Act Up Now On Radon Campaign today by clicking here.   Sometimes we can't do things alone; it takes a group of committed individuals and it takes a courageous board to lead us there.    Join CanSAR in an effort to Save Lives through Effective Environmental Policy.

With your commitment and action, we can make a difference.   I thank you.   Sincerely, Gloria Linnertz Gloria Linnertz Cancer Survivors Against Radon and The American Association of Radon Scientists & Technologists, Inc.

IEMA Study Finds 42% of Homes Tested in IL had Excess Levels of Radon

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
ROD BLAGOJEVICH ‐ GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
January 7, 2009 Jill Watson 312/814.3158
Patti Thompson (IEMA) 217/558.0546

Governor Blagojevich Urges People to Test Homes
During Radon Action Month

IEMA study finds that 42 percent of homes tested in Illinois
had excess levels of cancer-causing radon

SPRINGFIELD – Citing a state study that shows 42 percent of homes tested in Illinois had excess levels of radon, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged people to test their homes for the cancer-causing radioactive gas during Radon Action Month in January. The study, conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, examined results from nearly 72,000 home tests conducted by professional contractors and homeowners between 2003 – 2007.

“Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall, but it’s the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers,” said Governor Blagojevich. “Fortunately, it’s a health risk that can be reduced by testing your home for radon, and taking action if the levels are too high. I urge everyone in Illinois to take a few moments in January to do a radon home test.”

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil. It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has determined that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, behind smoking. However, among non-smokers, radon is the leading cause of cancer.

The National Academy of Sciences and the Surgeon General estimate that 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur annually in the United States, as many as 1,100 of those in Illinois. Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) Radon program staff analyzed results from nearly 72,000 home radon tests conducted by professional contractors and homeowners from 2003-2007. Twenty-four counties had more than 50 percent of the homes tested with radon levels greater than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), the USEPA recommended action level. In another 34 counties, between 25-50 percent of the homes tested above that level. The remaining 44 counties had too few tests to provide a good picture of the radon potential in that area.

CanSAR is going to Washington and they need our help.

Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) is being honored in Washington DC at the end of this month.  Their efforts to reduce radon exposure and radon induced lung cancer has been nothing less than heroic.  It is easy to forget that we are doing this to protect people, and I highly recommend visiting CanSAR's website, reading the testimonies, and helping any way you can. Our friends at CanSAR (Cancer Survivors Against Radon), Gloria Linnertz and Marlene MacEwan are going to Washington at the end of the month to ask Congress for legislative action that will prevent radon exposure and needless lung cancer deaths.  Joining with them is The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and the American Radon Policy Coalition (ARPC).  They will petition congress to require action from the US EPA to use the full authority is has been granted under the under the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA).  Among other issues, they want to require the use of radon resistant new construction techniques and they want the EPA to establish a Maximum Contaminant Level of 4.0pCi/l, rather than continue to use the less rigorous Action Level as guidance.   To lend your voice to the effort, please read the "Radiation Victims..." Press Release below and contact your representatives.

PRESS RELEASES:  January 2009

Program to Identify Likely Radon Induced Lung Cancer Victims

Radiation Victims to Rally in Washington - Demand Congressional Action to Protect Homebuyers; Organization Labels EPA's Radon Program a 'Deadly Failure'

AARST Fact Sheets, Statements, & Positions Papers

Fact Sheet & Statement:  The US EPA Office of Inspector General's Report  More Action Needed to Protect Public from Indoor Radon Risks

Position paper on the installation of Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) features in new homes.

President's Cancer Panel Testimony

The President’s Cancer Panel met December 4^th.  The testimony of R. William Field, Ph.D., M.S., a professor at the University of Iowa, College of Public Health, provides a compelling analysis of a compilation of many different studies of radon exposure and risks.  If you’re interested in his conclusions, but not interested in reading the testimony itself (it is not a difficult read), you can download his very interesting and easy-to-digest pdf slideshow .

I can’t encourage you enough to review the testimony.

Ginger Creek Foundation - Cruise

Ginger Creek Foundation strives to assist county health departments and others find funding for low and middle income families, financially challenged schools and other facilities to test and mitigate elevated radon levels.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 (Press Release) – January 17, 2009 – Ginger Creek Foundation, a Springfield, Illinois, based nonprofit organization is delighted to announce a seven day charitable fund raising cruise on the Carnival Valor, sponsored by Planet Travel. The cruise begins April 26, 2009 and a portion of the gross revenue generated will be used to further GCF's radon charities. 

"As an added incentive to encourage interested persons to book this cruise right away, we’re entering each confirmed guest’s name in a drawing for a cabin fee refund," said Stephen Teeple, Ginger Creek Foundation’s Chairman.  "The winning guest will receive a check at the welcome aboard cocktail party.  Since Carnival only allowed us to book 32 cabins at the reduced rate, the chances of winning are very good.  You aren’t likely to find a deal like this anywhere else," Teeple smiled.       

"We are so proud of our involvement with the Ginger Creek Foundation cruise," said Don Fuener, Vice President, of Planet Travel Holdings Inc. "We and Carnival Cruise Lines are helping this small nonprofit organization, facing a very challenging economy, raise funds for radon charities creatively."

Cruise only fares start at $685.00 per person including all taxes and fees based on double occupancy.  Carnival Valor is a Conquest Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Lines (www.carnival.com). She is the largest Carnival ship based out of the Port of Miami, Florida and has a "Heroes and Heroics" theme. Duty-free shopping, a spa, a casino, and numerous entertainment options are some of her features. She offers seven-day voyages through the Eastern and Western Caribbean .

Planet Travel and Ginger Creek Foundation invite all friends to participate in the "Valor is its own reward" 7-day cruise.  Interested persons in the Springfield, IL, area should plan to attend the Valor Cruise Meeting at 6:30 PM, Thursday, January 29th at Planet Travel Group Inc's office, 2060 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL.  If you're not located in Springfield, and would like further information, please call Planet Travel at (877) 713-7650 or email stef@planetravelonline.com.  

The cabin fee will be minus the charitable donation and any applicable taxes.