From an interview with Robert K. Lewis, Radon Program Manager, by Margaret Henderson
Forty percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon in concentrations greater than 4pCi/L, the EPA recommended action level, and radon is found in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Working to address these issues during the last 30 years, the Radon Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has developed a comprehensive approach and one that has recently been employed to address new findings of a test result of 2,700 pCi/L from a home in a new subdivision in SE Pennsylvania. So far, in this new development, at least 11 homes have been found to have basement concentrations greater than 1000 pCi/L, with the highest result now at 3,715 pCi/L. This is a remarkably finding that the Radon Division has never seen in the past 30 years. The goal is to get all the homes in this development tested.
A test result of 2700 pCi/L triggered the initial action by the Radon Division in the form of a targeted survey in part of the township. The state laboratory conducted testing of soils and rocks for the presence of U-238 and Th-232 radioisotopes. Approximately 500 letters were sent to neighbors in this small area, offering free test kits. Follow-up letters were also sent to those homeowners who did not respond to the initial offer. An open house was held to answer questions and provide information, which served 200-300 individuals who came throughout the evening. Program personnel presented survey details and answered questions for members of the public and media. This is an example of one of the many ways the Radon Division continually works to increase public awareness about radon and to provide technical expert information.
Over the years, the Radon Division has evolved to meet the needs as circumstances were presented. Area studies are performed, such as the one initiated upon the recent finding of high radon levels. Residents may view radon test results on-line. Searching by zip code, results give the location of sampling within the house, number of tests in that zip code area, and the maximum and average results in pCi/L.
http://www.depreportingservices.state.pa.us/ReportServer/Pages/ReportViewer.aspx?/Radon/RadonZip
Requirements are in place for certification of radon professionals, an industry of approximately 700 combined testers, mitigators and laboratories. Inspection and enforcement activities are designed to protect the public as well as provide guidance to the regulated community. Although there are no requirements for testing schools, the Radon Program encourages that this be done. A Newborn Program reaches parents of newborns with information packets and coupons for free test kits. A Remedial Program offers an opportunity for independent verification of test results after mitigations have been put in place. Public service announcements during January’s Radon Action Month provide mass outreach to the state’s population. In addition to these techniques, training courses are provided by Rutgers University, Eastern Regional Radon Training Center. http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/programs/radon_indoor_air_quality.html
The Radon Division also conducts periodic “blind” testing of passive radon testing devices to assure that the necessary degree of accuracy and precision are provided to those receiving test results.
This January (2015) the Radon Division will again be sponsoring a “live TV call-in” with a Harrisburg TV station. Experts from the EPA, American Lung Association, Industry, the medical community, and the Radon Division will answer phones, respond to e-mails, and talk live on the evening news. This is a great opportunity to reach hundreds of thousands of homeowners with this radon message.
With a comprehensive approach that conducts studies, provides testing data, offers expert information, and ensures health and safety through licensure, inspections, and verification of mitigations, the Radon Division in Pennsylvania responds to new findings with a cadre of effective tools and strategies.
Contacting the Radon Division:
Robert K. Lewis | Radon Program Manager
Department of Environmental Protection|Radiation Protection
400 Market Street | Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717.783.3594 | Fax: 717.783.8965
www.depweb.state.pa.us
Radon Hotline In-state: 800-237-2366 http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/radon_division/21923
United States