by Margaret Henderson
Delaware Division of Public Health Radon Office website provides two guidance documents and visual aids for residents to help them understand radon risks and be aware of the potential for radon exposure within the state.
On the website, an 18 page slideshow discusses “Radon: The Health Risks and Solutions.”
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/radonpres.pdf
The colorful show depicts how radon gets into a home and how radon causes lung cancer. It also compares annual death from various causes with deaths attributed to radon and discusses testing, measurements and mitigation.
A map and report presents Delaware Radon Incidence by Zip Code. http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/hhinsideradonzip.pdf
The map presents results of 18 years of data collection (from 1993-2011). The data set includes approximately 35,700 tests. Previously published radon “zones” gave indoor radon concentrations for entire counties. With the information provided on zip code level, residents of Delaware have a more useful tool. The paper reports, “In Delaware there are two general areas that exhibit the highest potential for elevated radon in homes. Both areas are in New Castle County and appear to be associated with granitic rocks in northern New Castle County and certain unconsolidated sediments in southern New Castle County, which agrees with information published by the United States Geologic Survey and EPA.” Regardless of the zip code data results, the Division of Public Health recommends testing all homes for radon. The map shows the percentage of homes over the radon action level of 4pCi/L as depicted by zip code areas. Accompanying tables also define the zip code areas by town/area.
In coupling the information about radon potentials and risks, the program website provides the information and encourages residents to make informed decisions about testing for radon and mitigating high levels.
For more information, contact:
Delaware Division of Public Health Radon Office
1-800-464-HELP
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/hhinsideradon.html
United States