Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 10, 1995 TAG: 9510100092
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
During National Radon Awareness Week, Sunday through Oct. 21, the American Lung Association of Virginia-Southwest Area will offer home testing kits to determine whether radon is seeping into homes. The first 300 people who call 362-5864 will get free kits.
The odorless, colorless gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and is blamed with causing 7,000 to 30,000 cases of lung cancer each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Toni Ferguson, marketing and development director, said radon is a radioactive gas formed by the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. The EPA regards radon as one of the most serious environmental threats to public health.
``Because of its geology, Southwest Virginia is more radon-prone than other regions in the state,'' she said.
Independent studies by the EPA and the state Department of Health show that 10 percent to 12 percent of Virginia's homes have excessive levels of radon.
The association is able to provide the kits with grant money from the EPA. After the 300 free kits are distributed, callers may get a $20 kit for $7 by asking for a coupon.
If an excessive amount of the gas is detected, repairs to seal the house - such as repairing cracks in the foundation and sealing gaps around drains and sump pumps - will decrease the risks posed by radon.
by CNB