Angell
Colleagues,
This message is being cross posted on the Radon Leaders Portal and the RadonProfessionals listserv.
Earlier today, the following message was shared with me and the author gave permission to share their message with those of us who are committed to seeing adoption of effective radon control in new homes. The message specifically mentions one of our colleagues, Dan West, but I believe it reflects the highest quality of work carried out by many AARST mitigation professionals some of whom shared the podium with Dan at the 2008 International Radon Symposium (David Daniels, Jack Hughes, Jim McDonald and Leo Moorman) as well as state partners who are committed to radon prevention.
To me, the power of the following message is that it expresses the importance of radon reduction from a member of the public.
I am especially interested to hear of any other general public testimonial related to radon risk reduction.
I have blocked out personal information identifying the author.
Best wishes,
Bill Angell
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(address blocked)
Newark, OH 43055
February 26, 2009
Robert Sealock
Environmental Dept.
675 Price Road
Newark, OH 43055
Dear Mr. Sealock:
I want to tell you of the frustration and risk to our health my
husband's and my 2002 home has been to us since moving into it in August
2005. Our house sits on shale and has a radon problem that three
different radon system companies and many technicians have worked on to
reduce the radon to an acceptable level. It is FINALLY under control as
of this month; however, Radon Systems of Westerville, OH spent 24 hours
in our basement or around the outside of the house over a period of time
and had to install two FR250 fans, the largest available, on our home to
accomplish this goal. Important to add, the president of the company,
Danny West, (nationally recognized for his leadership in radon control)
last year and teaches radon classes. Thus we think we used the best
company in the area.
I understand it is recommended by the US EPA that in all areas in the
United States where radon is a problem to install Radon Resistant New
Construction in all new homes. In Columbus, Dublin adopted Appendix F
of the International Building Code in 1996 and to date Dublin, Hilliard,
Canal Winchester and Pickerington all require RRNC to be installed in
all residential buildings. Furthermore, I have learned since moving to
Ohio in 2005 that Licking County is one of the highest areas of the
country for elevated radon levels. Unfortunately, builders in the
county still build new houses without any radon protection. Has Licking
County, for some reason, turned its head to this issue and elected not
to enforce Appendix F of the International Residential Building Code?
I have been told that the Ohio Department of Health would very much like
to work with the Licking County Officials to get this standard
implemented. Like my husband and me, Licking County residents are being
needlessly exposed to elevated radon levels.
I am sharing with you our experience in the hope that it spurs action
wherever it needs to be to require Radon Resistant New Construction in
Licking County. I learned that our house registered over 200 pCi/l when
the first mitigating system was installed by previous owners. I am
happy to say it registers 4 pCi/l and below now. Most of the homes on
our court have had to install mitigating systems at a cost by the
owners.
Best regards,
Bill and Nancy C
CC: Jack Pryor, Building Code Dept.
CC: Robert Diebold, Mayor Newark
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