The American Association of Radon Scientists & Technologists
press release
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES
NEW ATTACK ON
LUNG CANCER
ST. LOUIS (9/21/2009) - In simultaneous releases published around the globe
today, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for stronger action against
indoor radon, the leading cause of lung cancer among U.S. and Canadian
non-smokers.
The
central WHO recommendation is to lower radon gas levels by one-third below the
current U.S.
guidance. The lower WHO action
level doubles the number of U.S.
homes needing radon control systems from 8 million to 15 million.
According to Bill Angell, President of the American Association of Radon
Scientists and Technologists (AARST), "The WHO recommendations more
strongly emphasize the importance of radon testing by all home owners and home
buyers and reduction of high concentrations of the radioactive gas."
Speaking from the 2009 International Radon Symposium, Angell adds, "The
World Health Organization's strong stand is based upon new evidence of the risk
posed by toxic radon." The new WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public
Health Perspective lists the consensus of scientists from more than 30
countries that radon in homes is responsible for about one of every seven lung
cancer deaths in countries such as the U.S.
Over 21,000 Americans die each year from radon induced lung cancer.
In
the handbook, WHO recommends a threshold of action of 2.7 picocuries per liter
(pCi/L), a measure of radioactivity.
The new threshold contrasts with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) level of 4 pCi/L; an action level that has been in
place for 40 years.
In
addition to testing, the WHO handbook notes that indoor radon is the result of the
way we design and build homes. Thus, WHO places clear responsibility for
radon exposure on architects, builders, and real estate professionals and urges
radon control system in new homes and testing homes for sale.
Elevated indoor radon may be inexpensively fixed or prevented through radon
control systems installed by certified or licensed radon professionals.
For more information:
WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective
http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/env/radon/en/index1.html
WHO Radon Webpage http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/env/radon/en/index.html
American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists http://www.aarst.org
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/radon/
The American Association of Radon Scientists &
Technologists
Peter Hendrick,
Executive Director
14 Pratt Rd, Alstead, NH 03602
|
