Granite Countertops Not Deadly Aug 21, 2008
The says such comments are "ludicrous" because, while granite is known to contain uranium (which can produce radon) and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health threat ... The analysis of radioactivity in 13 granite samples concluded flatly "Adapting the 4 picocuries per liter of air as recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA recommends taking action if the number is higher) as a reference and the... (RealtyTimes)
Counter intelligence Aug 20, 2008
If you've heard any of the recent hoopla about radon being emitted from granite countertops and you have granite countertops you may be panicking. But before you plan a total kitchen overhaul, know this: While radon, a gas that occurs naturally when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water, is a health hazard emitted from different kinds of granite in varying levels, the Environmental Protection Agency does not believe that the granite used in most countertops significantly increases indoor... (Boston Globe)
JACK SPENCER & NICK LORIS: Uranium mining: Securing America's energy future Aug 2, 2008
There's often more dangerous radium or radon with uranium, but these elements are managed safely to protect workers and the environment. Most environmental and operational oversight is conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Granite Countertops a Recipe for Danger? Jul 31, 2008
Debate Heats Up About Radon Risks By WebMD Health News Reviewed by ... At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation, especially the gas radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking ... Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation. (WebMD)
EPA, Geochemistry Researchers Affirm Granite's Safety Jul 30, 2008
Citing its own assessment of various studies the agency statement said, in part, the "EPA has no reliable data to conclude that types of granite used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels." ... "However, the facts remain the same. There is no credible scientific evidence suggesting that granite countertops pose a significant radon risk." ... The NSC does not refute that some types of granite do emit radon gas, but studies have shown that the majority of stones tested... (FOXBusiness)
Radiation Risk? Don't 'Counter' on It Jul 30, 2008
And he says that since an article last Thursday in the New York Times cited the potential radiation and radon gas hazards associated with granite countertops, calls from concerned homeowners have spiked ... Still, he notes in his blog, when he told his wife about the article in the Times, "it wasn't long before one of my radon machines was sitting on the granite and the radon test was under way.". (ABC News)
Houston Physicist Claims Granite is Dangerous to Your Health Jul 29, 2008
Bill Dodgin, Radon Expert ... Granite has always contained some unknown amounts of uranium, which in it's gas state is called radon ... And despite this claim that granite contains amounts high enough to harm humans, one local radon expert says there's worse radon dangers in your house. (KFDA)
Study: Yankee radiation up 30% Jul 28, 2008
How does it compare to radon exposure in the home. How does it compare to European limits. (Barre Montpelier Times Argus)
Rice Professor: Granite Countertops Emit Dangerous Radon and Radiation Jul 28, 2008
Rice University physics Professor W.J. Llope alleges that according to his yet unpublished research, some granite countertops found in U.S. homes give out dangerous radon fumes and gamma radiation, due to their uranium content ... The Environmental Protection Agency says radon gas in homes comes mostly from soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process ... It seems that there is some concern for buildings located over granite, as radon gas is heavier than air and is known to... (eFluxMedia)
Granite Countertops A Health Threat? Jul 27, 2008
Tests Show Some Emit Radon Levels That Could Cause Concern; Marble Makers Dismiss Fears - CBS News ... Tests Show Some Emit Radon Levels That Could Cause Concern; Marble Makers Dismiss Fears ... Radon Found In Countertops. (CBS News -- Early Show)
More Extension notables: Testing home for radon advised for your health Jul 27, 2008
Radon is a radioactive gas that you can t see, taste or smell. When you breathe in radon, the radioactive particles release bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer ... Radon gas comes from the breakdown of uranium. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
EPA Confirms That Granite Countertops Pose No Significant Health Risk, Undercutting 'Junk Science' Fear Mongering, Says Marble Institute of America Jul 26, 2008
The EPA issued its new statements late Friday, following media reports citing junk science and inconsistent testing results that created public concern about granite countertops as a source of radon gas. "While natural minerals such as granite may occasionally emit radon gas, the levels of radon attributable to such sources are not typically high," the EPA statement said ... "EPA believes the principal source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process.... (PR Newswire)
Rice professor says countertops may be tainted with uranium Jul 26, 2008
Some granite countertops, he says, contain high levels of uranium, which, by generating gamma radiation and radon gas, can endanger human health ... The EPA, although it offers the public information on radon hazards, has no authority to regulate quality of indoor a 00004000 ir ... Llope said the radioactive substances in granite, significantly uranium, pose a double threat to homeowners: radiation and radon gas. (Houston Chronicle)
Health Matters: Secondhand Smoke: What is it? Jul 22, 2008
The Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Class A carcinogen, like asbestos and radon. Secondhand smoke is a greater risk to the public health of nonsmokers than all other EPS-regulated hazardous industrial air pollutants combined. (Needham Tab, MA)
Home Radon May Have Tie to Childhood Leukemia Jul 22, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children who live in homes with high radon levels may be at increased risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood, but not other childhood cancers, research from Denmark suggests ... Higher rates of childhood cancer, and particularly leukemia, have been observed in geographic regions with higher levels of radon -- a natural radioactive gas that emanates from soils and can concentrate inside houses ... Yet, studies assessing links between breathing radon gas... (MEDLINEplus)
Home inspectors take a hit Jul 16, 2008
Moore, a home inspector for 16 years, said the bulk of his business remains in residential inspections but he's also starting doing Radon and well testing. The health of the home inspection industry hinges heavily on the time of the year, Moore said, with the spring and summer months usually providing an uptick to the residential real estate market. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Ask Realty Times Jul 13, 2008
Question: As a homeowner, how often should I get my home inspected for mold, radon, etc ... As to radon, there has been a considerable effort by the radon-industrial complex to create vast worries regarding an invisible, odorless gas that's created by natural decay in the ground ... Unless you're a chain smoking uranium miner who lives in a basement with closed windows, concerns about radon are likely to be overblown. (RealtyTimes)
NSW Health 'knew home's radiation risk' Jul 4, 2008
His daughter Julienne went on to challenge a subsequent report by the health department that stated radon gas testing had been done at their property in 1977 and it was found to be within safe levels. Radon is a colourless gas that forms from the decay of radium, which was extracted from uranium ore at the smelter ... "We don't recall anyone ever entering our house to do radon tests," Ms Nurse told the inquiry. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Date set for public tumor meeting Jul 1, 2008
Wondering wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:16 AM:" JMKC~ I myself did contact the "brockovich" site. Had a person contact me wondering if "radon gas" had been check out~ inside the homes or dissolved in the water supply. He said that "radon, radium, and radiation test were NOT included in the water testing which he felt was "odd" Especially since it is briefly metnioned in the 1st paragraph of the "water test results' Kind of makes me wonder what is going on and what further research needs to be done.... (Cameron Observer, MO)
Airborne enemies in your home Jun 28, 2008
More formidable airborne enemies include radon, an invisible gas produced by uranium in the soil under your house; secondhand smoke; and poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, which can be emitted from poorly maintained gas stoves, furnaces, or fireplaces, and can cause headaches, chest pains, even death ... You can also pick up a radon testing kit at your local hardware store for about $35. (CNN -- US)
Radioactive house 'unfit to live in' Jun 25, 2008
Uranium contamination is a toxic metal like lead, but also produces radioactive Radon gas (different element again from Radium). This gas can accumulate in dwellings, causing problems. (ABC Online)
Testing home for radon important as preventive measure Jun 21, 2008
Todd Hagaman, a co-owner of Radon Mitigators, Inc. of Sioux City, drills the hole in the floor where a PVC pipe will be inserted in preparation for installing a radon mitigation system at a client's home ... Several years ago, the Grubers detected excessive levels of radon in their Morningside home ... That's no surprise to David Canny, co-owner of Radon Mitigators, Inc. of Sioux City. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Silent Killers abound in health world Jun 18, 2008
Among the threats that rise to Silent Killer designation: AIDS, asbestos, Aspartame, autoerotic asphyxiation, carbon monoxide, fluoride, gastrointestinal stasis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hydrogenated oils, hypothermia, indoor air pollution, inflammation, insulin, kidney disease, migraines, radon and Ritalin. Also, hybrids and electric cars. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Health InfoCenter Jun 10, 2008
For a free long-term radon test kit, e-mail your request to. Please put the words "Radon Test Kit" in the subject line of your e-mail and be sure to include your name and Vermont mailing address, or call: 1-800-439-8550. (WCAX.com, VT)
Be confident in the environmental care of Hyperion energy center Jun 5, 2008
Oil refinery is just that wrote on Jun 1, 2008 10:07 AM:" Mr. Benda, you should take a trip around Union County, South Dakota. A community full of Life, Abundant wildlife, Water ways and Farm families that enjoy their Environment. Children full of health and vitality. Farming communities that are thriving, the living is wholesome.There is no comparison to Los Angeles. The farm smell is apparent. Now, let's talk about Oil Refineries and the Crude and petro chemicals. Often what is not seen or... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
More health problems at Needham's Newman School lead to departure of second teacher Jun 5, 2008
When asked whether the system has been turned on for radon testing conducted over that weekend, Chip Laffey, the new facilities operations director, said the system was not turned on for the testing. He said Occupational Health and Safety workers did radon testing simply by placing and then collecting vials in each room. (Needham Tab, MA)
Could radiation be hurting your health? Jun 5, 2008
That's how much radiation, on average, a person in the United States absorbs in a year from background sources such as sunlight, soil, and radon gas that may be in our homes or offices. "If you add the man-made sources like radiation from smoke detectors or X-rays it rises to an average of about 3.6 mSv," says Cynthia McCollough, Ph. (CNN -- Health)
Personal Health: Red flags for hereditary cancers May 28, 2008
This is true even if the carcinogen is environmental, like tobacco smoke or radon, or if the cause is viral, like Helicobacter pylori or Herpes papilloma virus. Carcinogenic agents induce cancer by causing genetic mutations that allow cells to escape normal biological controls. (International Herald Tribune)
COUNCIL NOTEBOOK: Brownfields funding pursued May 23, 2008
Radon Seminar: Area residents are urged to attend an upcoming seminar on May 30 designed to build awareness about the importance of radon testing ... The intent of the seminar is to encourage radon testing in the area and to provide information about recent state legislation requiring homeowners and real estate agents to disclose if a home for sale has radon issues, said Ed Specht, director of environmental health for the health department. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Ban uranium mining, N.B. environmentalists say May 15, 2008
She said that the New Brunswick government has known for years that there are dangerously high levels of radon and uranium in Harvey, N.B., southwest of Fredericton, but that no steps have been taken to inform and protect residents of the area. Recommend this article. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Old wood adds beauty to new home May 10, 2008
We check for radon, Pack said, And these bigger homes are very efficient. We use air exchangers in them to keep the air quality up. (Montana Standard, MT)
Artificial turf: A health hazard? May 8, 2008
"Nobody talks about all the radon in the soil, and there are kids playing on that every day, breathing it in," says Mark Zimmerman, an assistant football coach at McQueen High School in Reno. One artificial turf maker is changing its manufacturing process to remove potential toxins. (USA Today -- Sports)
Are granite countertops bad for your health? May 8, 2008
In Houston, researchers say they ve also found unusual levels of radon gas, which the EPA says can lead to lung cancer ... Selber says her team has just started testing Houston-area kitchens for radon ... Not all granites emit radon or radiation. (KHOU.com, TX)
Any level of radon in the home poses health risks May 8, 2008
Q: I purchased a radon test kit and ran the test as instructed in my basement ... I also contacted a local radon inspector who told me that the readings typically drop by 1/3 for every level you go up from the test level ... A: Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level is 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), any amount of radon can pose some risk. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Kansas City builder creates Health Home May 7, 2008
complete radon mitigation system designed to help reduce levels of radon gas, commonly found in soil, which can enter homes, posing potential health hazards. moisture control system. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Breast cancer's booze connection Apr 23, 2008
I was just about to get off the phone when he added cheerfully: "There's one more thing to consider." Of all the life risks we knowingly assume, Dr. Rehm said - such as living in homes with radon, driving on highways or drinking water with questionable chemicals in it - "no other risk is as high or as unregulated as the risk we assume drinking alcohol over our lifetime.". That took my breath away. (Globe and Mail)
Low Radon Levels May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk Apr 19, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Radon levels typically found in homes in the United States do not raise the risk of lung cancer, according to findings of a decade-long study. In fact, at low levels, radon may actually reduce the risk ... These results represent a substantial departure from the risk model upon which regulatory policy for low-dose radon exposure is based, Dr. Richard E. Thompson, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, and colleagues report in the journal... (MEDLINEplus)
JeffCo to test uranium levels Apr 13, 2008
And 16 wells showed elevated levels of radon ... The EPA proposed radon drinking water standard is 300 picoCuries per liter, a standard measurement of radiation ... The proposed follow-up study would also test for radon, a breakdown product of uranium, and other radioactive elements of concern, said Caldwell. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Refinery should only be built in a remote area Apr 13, 2008
Like Radon wrote on Apr 11, 2008 4:35 PM:" It is sucked up into your brain and bowels by the void in you mind. It is marked by your demise. ". Keith wrote on Apr 11, 2008 2:50 PM:" "the center each year would emit nearly 2,000 tons of carbon monoxide, 773 tons of nitrogen oxides, more than 1,000 tons of particulate matter, 863 tons of sulfur dioxide and 473 tons of volatile organic compounds. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Radon: a radioactive gas, but do you want it in your home? Apr 13, 2008
Radon: a radioactive gas, but do you want it in your home ... You can t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home ... Basically, Radon is a radioactive gas, and it is cancer causing. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Find out if you have radon, then fix it Apr 9, 2008
Periodically we see or read news reports about radon. You may even have purchased or sold a house recently and had your home inspector offer radon testing ... In talking with customers, I find that very few people understand radon and its risks. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Radon: The Silent Home Invader That Can Kill Apr 8, 2008
FRIDAY, April 4 (HealthDay News) -- You can't see, smell or taste radon ... Radon is a global problem -- the World Health Organization says radon causes up to 15 percent of lung cancers worldwide ... About one of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have a dangerous radon level, which the EPA defines as more than 4 picocuries per liter of air. (MEDLINEplus)
Health Center stresses Missouri Public Health Week Apr 7, 2008
About radon the second leading cause of lung cancer. About hazardous chemicals in your home use healthier alternatives. (Maryville Daily Forum, MO)
Build a healthy house Apr 1, 2008
Before laying foundations, Mrs Richardson commissioned a $120 geomancy report to check the ground for radon gas and geopathic stress that may be harmful. Incorporating passive solar principles, the house relies on dust-free, non-irritant polyester batts to insulate walls and ceilings, concertina foil batts underfloor and air-cell batts for roof sarking - though building biologists prefer insulators such as wool, cellulose, cotton, hemp and paper. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Whalers end Ice Cats' chance at state title Mar 30, 2008
Two representatives of the state Department of Public Health (DPH) talked to the school board this week about the interrelationship of uranium and radon in response to some community concerns that the presence of either or both in district schools' drinking water poses a serious health hazard to local children. The Board of Ethics has received legal opinion regarding some questions about the filing of complaints of alleged ethics violations and is continuing to work on creating a complaint form... (Brookfield Journal, CT)
Exposure To Low Levels Of Radon Appears To Reduce The Risk Of Lung Cancer, New Study Finds Mar 27, 2008
26, 2008) Exposure to levels of radon gas typically found in 90 percent of American homes appears to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 60 percent, according to a study published in the March issue of the journal Health Physics. The finding differs significantly from the results of previous case-control studies of the effects of low-level radon exposure, which have detected a slightly elevated lung cancer risk (but without statistical significance) or no risk at all ... The... (Science Daily)
Emergency officials to hold radon seminar Mar 26, 2008
FREEPORT To build awareness about the importance of radon testing, emergency officials will hold a special seminar this May for health workers, real estate agents, and the general public ... The intent of the seminar is to encourage radon testing in the area, and to provide information about recent state legislation requiring homeowners and real estate agents to disclose if a home for sale has radon issues, said Ed Specht, director of environmental health for the health department ... The hope... (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. Forms Alliance With EMLab P&K Mar 25, 2008
ESP offers a suite of environmental services: moisture management program, mold testing, energy inspection, neighborhood environment reports, allergen screening, radon testing and new builder program. The Company's Certified Environmental Home Inspectors (CEHIs) deliver the industry's ``Best in Class'' inspection and management services to consumers. (Primezone Releases)
Uranium found in 40 Jefferson County wells (1) Mar 24, 2008
And 16 wells showed radon concentrations exceeding proposed drinking water standards ... Radon and uranium in water are generally colorless, odorless and tasteless, according to the USGS report. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
DPH comes to town Mar 22, 2008
Mr. Toal, pointing out that his unit does not deal with drinking water supply, shed some light on uranium, which, he said, "is interesting." He noted that, although it and radon are "linked"-the two are associated but not directly- uranium had not attracted the attention of the state DPH until about five years ago, when Maine and several other New England states began to test for its presence in water ... The Newtown incident contributed to the DPH's subsequent preparing and distributing a fact... (Brookfield Journal, CT)
Smith OKs bill to notify home buyers' meth homes Mar 21, 2008
Currently, anyone selling a home must disclose information about termites, boundary disputes and unsafe levels of radon gas, Smith said. A recent surge in meth lab discoveries and meth-related arrests in Pekin have police working with local pharmacies to prevent meth makers from purchasing cold medicines necessary to make the drug. (Pekin Times, IL)
Smith legislation moves forward Mar 21, 2008
Currently, sellers are required to disclose boundary line disputes, termites and unsafe levels of radon gas. Smith s legislation adds meth production to that list. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Steps toward socialism Mar 19, 2008
But you better have the place inspected for asbestos, formaldehyde, radon and lead paint or else you might walk through the door and drop dead. -- D.M. Wright. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
A Town With A Pipe Dream Mar 17, 2008
From the Hartford Courant. A Town With A Pipe Dream Top Official Of Tiny Connecticut Town With Stagnant Center Tries To Get Washington To Spring Money For Water And Get Things Flowing Again. (FOX61, CT)
How to pare school budget? Mar 8, 2008
On a related issue, a two-member ad-hoc committee reported that there are "no unaddressed harmful or dangerous situations pertaining to radon in the schools," as had been indicated in a public complaint submitted in January by Fred Hesse, a local physician of internal medicine ... They provided results of radon testing in the water at the schools that dated back to 1993 ... In its report, the committee wrote that "there were not at the time, nor is there now, any federal or state regulations... (Brookfield Journal, CT)
Uranium miners pursuing a new U-boom Mar 8, 2008
The Belfield school received federal funds to vent cancer-causing radon gas, which is a daughter byproduct of uranium, when dangerously high levels, probably from fill dirt used during construction, were detected in the school. Anheluk said she understands uranium mining now will be much different than the old days, but she's still concerned. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Radon Discovered at Cohoes School Mar 4, 2008
The Cohoes City School District says they've found higher than normal radon levels in three classrooms at the Page Avenue School ... The district is beginning what they're calling radon mitigation in three classrooms ... Radon is a naturally occuring gas that seeps into buildings from the surrounding soil. (FOX23 News, NY)
High radon levels found Feb 23, 2008
Dennis Robitaille, a home inspector for Able Home Inspections and a former Town Meeting member in Saugus for 12 years, urges Saugus homebuyers to request a radon test, especially in areas where a home sits on a rocky ledge. Robitaille informed the Advertiser this week that a couple tests for radon in Saugus homes recently revealed radon levels that are much higher than the picocuries per liter allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency ... As a result the homeowner, who had tested for radon... (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. and National Association for Moisture Management Form 'Partnership for Prevention' for Moisture/Mold Solutions Feb 21, 2008
ESP's professionally-designated CEHI Program consists of a suite of environmental services: allergen screening, energy inspections, neighborhood environment reports, radon testing, moisture management program, mold testing, and new builder program ... ESP offers a suite of environmental services: moisture management program, mold testing, energy inspection, neighborhood environment reports, allergen screening, radon testing and new builder program. (Primezone Releases)
County to consider leaving health consortium Feb 20, 2008
Some successes the consortium has already seen, aside from the Bullhook Community Health Center include the early childhood subcommittee receiving grants to do radon testing in homes, to test wells for water quality and to do other environmental testing, she said. Another was to find funding for the Kids Management Authority, which is now funded and incorporated into the Health Department, and the creation of the Local Advisory Council, which is prepared to apply for funding and start operating... (Havre Daily News, MT)
Smoking ban far from settled Feb 18, 2008
Even better, bar and restaurant owners can install air filtration machines that will not only remove tobacco smoke, but also viruses, bacteria, chemicals, pollen, dust, mold, fungi and, most importantly, radon decayproducts, which the EPA claims causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, seven times more than secondhand smoke is reputed to cause. Commercial airfiltration machines are affordable and readily available. (Gazette Online)
Radon seminars offered Thursday; high levels of deadly gas prevalent here Feb 18, 2008
Radon moves up through the ground and can enter into any person s home ... (Radon) is a serious national health problem, said Richard Thompson, environmental specialist for Montrose County Health and Human Services and Region 10 ... Montrose County, along with most of Colorado, is considered a high radon area, with indoor screening levels grater than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Lawmakers face tough vote on smoking ban Feb 18, 2008
" http://stlouisfed.org/publications/re/2008/a/pages/smoking-ban.html Dr. Pakko warns that bars and casinos are hardest hit by statewide smoking bans. Dr. Pakko cites the only peer-reviewed economic study of the effects of smoking bans not derived from data gathered either by public health groups or the bar/restaurant industry, but solely from government employment data, which shows the huge detrimental effect smoking bans have on bars. These economists warn that smoking bans could cut bar jobs... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
House rejects statewide smoking ban Feb 16, 2008
We are talking about a dangerous carcinogen that even the EPA rates as a Group A carcinogen, along with asbestos and radon. This is not about individual rights this is a loaded gun, said McMahill, who was in Cheyenne on Tuesday to lobby for the ban. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Precautions taken at HHES Feb 16, 2008
Fred Hesse, a local doctor of internal medicine who has spoken to the school board several times on health-related issues in recent years, told the board members during the public comment portion of this week's meeting that they needed to address high radon readings in the water at the schools or face the possibility of legal action by students or staff members that might acquire health problems. At the Jan. 2 school board meeting, Dr. Hesse and Kerry Swift, another parent who has spoken to the... (Brookfield Journal, CT)
