In Hawaii, the Radon News is Good!
By Margaret Henderson
Hawaii has the good fortune of being the “lightest color” on the EPA Map of Radon Zones, with a predicted average indoor radon screening level of less that 2pCi/L, indicating a low potential for problems. See the map on http://www.epa.gov/radon/states/hawaii.html
Geoffery Lau, of the Indoor and Radiological Health Branch, State of Hawaii, Department of Health, receives approximately three to five calls per month with inquiries about radon. Sometimes these come from individuals coming from the mainland and states in which radon is an issue. He explains to them that the soil in Hawaii has very little uranium content so radon isn’t much of an issue in Hawaii. Also, the homes are “open air systems” meaning they are well ventilated, so even if radon were present, it would not create a health concern. With his explanations and references to the EPA website he provides them for more discussion and information about radon, individuals with questions learn that in Hawaii, the radon news is good!
For further information, contact:
Geoffrey Lau
Environmental Health Specialist, Radiation Section
State of Hawaii Department of Health, Indoor and Radiological Health Branch
591 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 133
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 586-4700 FAX (808) 586-5838
E-mail: Geoffrey.lau@doh.hawaii.gov
United States