From an interview with Keith Keemer, Environmental Specialists in the District Department of the Environment, Washington, DC
By Margaret Henderson (CRCPD)
Historically, most of Washington DC was predicted to have lower radon levels, typically less than 2pCi/L, well beneath the recommended action level of 4pCi/L. However, with an increase in testing and examination of emerging data, Mr. Keemer finds higher levels in various areas, primarily in the upper NW portion of the city. He uses the test kit provider’s web portal to query test results and assemble data. The department’s website shows a map with red circles representing 5-10 homes in each circle that tested high within that area. See http://ddoe.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/publication/attachments/Radon_Map-4-22-2009.pdf
These findings are in keeping with dispelling the common myths about radon, as show on the department’s website:
- "I don't have a basement, I probably don't have a radon problem."
- "I don't live in an area designated as a high radon zone, so my home won't have a problem."
- "Two of my neighbors have tested their homes for radon and they don't have high levels, so I probably don't either."
It illustrates that the only way to know whether radon exists in elevated levels in your home is to test. District residents can obtain a free radon test kit by calling the radon hotline at (202) 535-2302.
With recent population growth in the city occurring, new residents are coming into the area from other locations and they bring with them an awareness of radon issues. Mr. Keemer remarked, “In January, I noticed an increase in inquiries from buyers and sellers and real estate agents.”
Another change is in the type of housing in the area. More condominiums are being built and that has revealed some interesting test results. Mr. Keemer explained, “One condo homeowners association telephoned me, having found 10 basement units tested high (in excess of 4pCi/L) and I discussed routine abatement strategies with the condo association that they could consider. Ironically, the building was a school now converted into condos.”
With more attention toward radon issues, the DC Mayor has recently signed a new
Sustainability Act passed this year. The “Amendment to Radon Contractor Proficiency Act of 1992 and Sustainability DC Omnibus Act of 2014” requires that mitigations be done by certified mitigators. The department will be writing rules and regulations to implement that law in the near future.
The increasing awareness about radon and mitigation is stimulated by outreach programs of the department as well. The department’s Community Communications Office sends alerts to the program about outreach opportunities and Mr. Keemer uses that information to plan additional community involvement. He frequently attends community events and displays radon information and provides free test kits. He visits Home Day Care Centers to distribute test kits and show individuals how to perform testing, goes to Advisory Neighborhood Council meetings to provide information, talks with real estate professionals, and contacts schools about their test results in an effort to work together by providing information.
With the increasing DC population and community outreach, requirements for mitigators to be certified, and examination of new data, changes occurring in DC are reducing the radon health risks for the population.
For more information, contact:
Keith Keemer, CPM, MBA
Environmental Specialist
District Department of the Environment
Air Quality Division
Radon & Indoor Air Environments
1200 First Street, NW
5th Floor-20002
Telephone: 202-535-2999
www.green.dc.gov
keith.keemer@dc.gov
United States