This is a service of EIN News a digital news provider
Nanotechnology News Today
Sign up for a free trial
Register Now
Member center Log In

EIN PRESSWIRE

World Health Organization Lowers Radon Action Level from EPA's 4.0 to 2.7 to Reduce Lung Cancer Risk

http://www.mitigationsystem.com/releases/release/7166404/19723.htm

/EIN Presswire/ Radon gas has been identified as the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers according to recent studies conducted throughout the world. The World Health Organization states that as many as 14% of the lung cancer cases in many countries (including the United States) are caused by exposure to radon gas.

The World Health Organization has released their Handbook on Indoor Radon which strongly validates the worldwide threat of exposure to radon gas. According to handbook, WHO has been studying the effects of radon exposure since 1979. Although radon was classified as a human carcinogen in 1988, it took over 20-years of sound research and real-life studies from all over the world to confirm the true magnitude of the risk radon poses. Based on the results of these studies, WHO now suggests that homeowners take action when radon levels exceed 2.7 pCi/l. This is a much more conservative figure than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA's) action level of 4.0 pCi/l, which has been the U.S. standard for over 20-years.

More than 100 scientists from 30 countries have participated in the World Health Organization International Radon Project since 2005 which has lead to the publishing of the WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon this year. The book is a useful resource for concerned homeowners or anyone who wants to learn more about the toxic carcinogen known as radon. It outlines the years of research and the very conclusive findings that have triggered a push for stricter legislation and construction practices that will reduce the risk of indoor radon exposure to the general population. You can download a copy of the WHO Radon Handbook here: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241547673_eng.pdf

The United Nations also broke new ground in the international fight on radon-induced lung cancer when they released their acknowledgement of the radon problems throughout the world. This is documented in their Assessment for Radon in Homes and Workplaces: http://www.unscear.org/docs/reports/2006/09-81160_Report_Annex_E_2006_Web.pdf

“By encouraging people to take action when radon levels exceed 2.7 rather than the previous limit of 4.0, we should see a dramatic increase in the number of homes being tested and mitigated as well as improved enforcement of radon resistant new construction requirements,” according to Jamey Gelina, a radon mitigation specialist with Air Quality Control Agency. His firm is one of the largest companies in the U.S. that specializes in installing radon removal equipment. http://www.MitigationSystem.com

Most major health organizations (including The American Medical Association, National Cancer Institute, and American Lung Association) for years have known that radon increases lung cancer risk. However, recent studies have confirmed that the risk is evident even at levels much lower than earlier studies suggested. The good news is this: Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. Homes with elevated radon levels (even at 2.7) can be fixed using current radon remediation technology. More information is available at http://www.RadonMitigation.us
 
 

Take This Poll

For which of the following topics do you have the biggest problem finding news on the Internet? (Nov. 27, 2009)














 

BUSINESS PROMOTION SERVICES

EIN Advertising · Place banner ads on EIN News industry specific publications.

EIN Presswire · Upload press releases to the EIN network and have them submitted to leading journalists and decision-makers worldwide.

EIN Global Events · Reach industry-specific readers and promote events, conferences or exhibitions.

EIN Business Directory · Present company or service information on highly-visible, industry and geo-specific news pages.

NEWS SERVICES

News Publications · In-depth geopolitical and industry specific news coverage aggregated from 35,000 online outlets. Updated every 15 minutes.

News Alerts · Receive a free selection of the day's top stories hand picked by EIN News editors.

Newsfeed Maker · Integrate customized newsfeeds in any format covering all industry and geopolitical topics, updated every 15 minutes.

EIN Presswire · Upload press releases to the EIN network and have them submitted journalists and decision-makers worldwide.

Inbox Robot · Customized newsletters delivered by e-mail. Search a news index monitoring thousands of trusted media sources.

COMPANY BACKGROUND

About EIN News · Established in 1995, EIN News began by supplying business professionals and individuals with relevant and interesting news products. It has grown to become the largest digital news provider in Europe.

Member List · See the partial member list and join a community of professionals from private industry, institutions, and governments that rely on EIN as a critical source for research, breaking news and media services.