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BA/radon.pr Contact Joe Keyser, 301-217-2355
COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RADON For Immediate Release: Oct. 3, 1996
A full-scale effort to educate residents about the potential health
risks of exposure to high concentrations of radon in their homes is being
launched by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP). Radon is an invisible, cancer-causing radioactive gas released by the
breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil, inhaled during regular breathing.
A County resident dies from radon-related lung cancer almost once a
week (every eight days), according to DEP's air quality engineer Bernie Bloom.
To help residents learn more, DEP is presenting a free seminar on indoor
air quality, on Wednesday, October 9, with a special focus on radon and carbon
monoxide detection. The seminar will be held at 7 p.m. at the Agricultural
History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road in Derwood.
Radon is the second highest cause of lung cancer in the U.S., with EPA
estimating that 15,000 Americans die every year from long-term exposure.
Especially at risk are individuals who smoke, who can be up to 25 times more
likely to contract lung cancer.
Radon is found in homes across the County, although radon levels are
higher due to geologic formations in areas such as Germantown, Boyds,
Clarksburg, Colesville, Sandy Spring, and Rockville.
However, even if a neighbor's home tests low for radon, residents should
not assume low levels for their own home, due to cracks in foundations, etc.
-more-
COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RADON 2-2-2-2
All residents should learn more about testing, interpreting test results, and
possibly taking corrective actions.
According to Bloom, DEP is trying to provide a balanced picture of
radon's health risks: "We want to encourage whole house testing Countywide.
And, we want to provide all of the best available information possible. Radon
awareness should focus on education and not on anxiety. Residents have time
to make well-considered decisions and the County has a wide-range of resources
that can help."
Reservations are required for the seminar, and high risk individuals
are strongly urged to attend. Call 301-590-2818.
DEP is also offering a free Indoor Air Quality Kit with information on
obtaining self-administered test kits, lists of EPA-certified radon testing
professionals and radon mitigation contractors. Also included is A Citizen's
Guide to Radon and the Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, in addition
to County-specific literature from DEP about radon, carbon monoxide, and other
indoor air quality issues. Call 217-2177 to receive a kit by mail.
Also, homeowner associations, church and school groups, realty
companies, and community service organizations may contact DEP at 301-217-2177
to schedule a special presentation.
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