Comments
Jed Boal reporting
A deadly threat could be seeping into your home. Kids may be at risk for lung cancer, but too many Utahns have not tested their homes for radon.
One in 15 American homes have elevated radon levels. In Utah it's much higher: one in three.
The Gallacher family in Riverton got a surprise when they tested with a home radon kit. Two months ago, Ken and Brenda Gallacher watched a TV program detailing radon contamination nearby.
"We looked at each other and said, ‘Ooh! Could that be in this area?' We ordered the test kit that night. After having the test kit in our home, we sent it in. When it came back, we were in shock," Ken explained.
The Gallachers lived here 20 years before they ever realized radon could be a risk in their home. Anything above 4 pico-curies per liter is dangerous; the Gallachers home registered 10.
"It's the long-term exposure that's dangerous. We thought we wanted to get something done so we didn't have that risk anymore," Brenda said. The family decided to put in a system to ventilate the radioactive gas.
Radon is a natural decay product of uranium. The carcinogen is blamed for 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.
Radon consultant Kurt Salomon installed a pipe system that sucks the gas from under the foundation and sends it outside. "It really is no hassle at all. When you go to bed that night, you have peace of mind that you have taken care of your family," he said.
Mitigation costs $500 to $1,500 dollars. "They were in and out in a day. It was really a simple process," Ken said.
This map shows areas with higher probability of contamination. If you are buying or selling a home, make radon part of the home inspection. "Radon prevention is not time-consuming or expensive. We encourage everyone in Utah to test their homes," Utah Safety Council President Bob Parenti said.
You can get a test kits from the Utah Safety Council. It costs $12 for the kit and the results. To find out how to get one, click the related links.
You'll also find a list of ZIP codes with the highest probability of radon contamination under the related links section.
News |
Weather
Traffic |
TV
Sports
Opinion |
Radio |
Classifieds
Announcements
Events
Movies |
Advertise with KSL
Other Resources
Wireless
Legal
Sister Sites
|