by Margaret Henderson
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Radiation Protection Section has a newly designed website, “Radon, a statewide concern, is the leading environmental cause of lung cancer.” http://www.ncradon.org/Home.html
The “Mitigation” tab provides videos on overview of mitigation practices, installation of systems in new homes and mitigation of homes with slab foundations. Although not required in North Carolina, the program recommends using a certified radon professional.
Financial assistance for mitigation is discussed in the tab for “Money.” The site gives information on the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and Self Help Credit Union. These were discussed in depth in the March 23, 2015, blog post North Carolina Finds Answers for a Problem: How to Pay for Radon Mitigations
http://www.radonleaders.org/node/21095
Builders and Architects are provided with numerous resource documents and webinar links for building radon resistant construction and saving the client money. Other information includes information on real estate transactions, testing for radon, health resources, and radon data.
Mapping is provided on http://www.ncradon.org/ncradon/
The map has a graded color scheme ranging from 0.3 pCi/L to greater than 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommended action level. By clicking on the map, data are presented by zip code giving the highest radon test result and the number of tests conducted in that area. The map is presented with the goal of illustrating that radon may be in any home anywhere in North Carolina. Two additional options are presented that show Certified Radon Mitigation and Measurement Professionals. By clicking on the markers, the contact information for the professional is displayed.
The department maintains the website as a part of its public education efforts to inform the public about the dangers of indoor radon exposure and the actions that can reduce radon levels in homes and work places.
For more information about radon in North Carolina, contact:
Phillip Ray Gibson
Phillip.gibson@dhhs.nc.gov
http://www.ncradon.org
United States