Consumer Reports Rates Radon Test Kits

The September, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports addresses radon for the first time. The article was not aggressive enough, in my opinion, to get many readers to take radon seriously (the biggest challenge by far, more so than the accuracy of the test kits), but they did explain the dangers of lung cancer and they did rate a few of the radon test kits on the market. Radon test kits have varied in their accuracy according to studies within the scientific radon community, specifically AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists). Now a respectable consumer organization has added to the data and their marketing should reach a much larger audience.

The $5 test kit offered by the State of California DPH Radon Office, produced by Dr. Home Air of Carrollton, Texas, was not part of the study. The electronic Safety Siren that we sell made the test. The EPA allows a full 25% varience on radon test accuracy, which all test units are supposed to meet. Reports like this will keep radon test manufacturers and labs on their toes to do the job right or loose business. Good Job Consumer Reports!! Read the full article.

Surgeon General’s Warning:
Cigarettes are a Major Source of Radiation Exposure?

It's not on cigarette packets yet, but the authors of a new study in the American Journal of Public Health hope that the Polonium-210 in cigarette smoke will generate more public concern and government regulation. Polonium-210 is one of the radioactive by-products of radon and is a major cause of the lung cancer associated with radon. But for fear of the public associating smoking with radiation, for 40 years the tobacco industry has known about and covered up the fact that Polonium-210 is in cigarette smoke. Read full report.

Radon May Have Tie To Childhood Leukemia

Currently the EPA recognizes radon as causing only one type of cancer: Lung Cancer. However studies from Denmark suggest that 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. Read full article

What we won't do for a buck! CHARLES TOWN, New York — A total of 10 current and former homeowners in the Locust Hill subdivision in Charles Town are suing the builder of their homes for allegedly failing to install functional radon removal systems, and in one case allegedly installing fake pipes to intentionally deceive building inspectors. Read the article.

Sierra Pacific Power asked to include radon education with utility bill

One of the goals of the Radon Awareness Program of El Dorado County Environmental Management, is to include radon education materials in utility bills. I contacted Sierra Pacific Power to start the process. Read letter to SPP. Read Radon Awareness Program.

Similar email requests were sent to the other utilities:
South Tahoe Refuse
Southwest Gas
STPUD

Zephyr Cove students may start year at Kingsbury due to radon concerns

"The bottom line is that parents are anxiety-laden about this thing, and we need to assure parents that their kids will be in a safe place where radon is low." Read article

The Indoor Radon Abatement Act requires all federal buildings in high risk areas be tested for radon.

Thanks to an email from Joshua J. Kerber, MS, Ohio Department of Health, Radon Licensing Program, it seems that the Indoor Radon Abatement Act already requires all federal buildings in high risk areas be tested for radon. I will cite the Indoor Radon Abatement Act when I contact the other Federal Agencies in the Tahoe Basin:
FBI
Coast Guard
US Forest Service
Post Offices
and possibly the TRPA (are they federal, state or regional?)

I will also ask the USFS if they conducted a radon study of their building, three years ago when it was built, as the Indoor Radon Abatement Act requires.

http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/tsca/06.htm http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title15/chapter53_subchapteriii_.html

Agencies Contacted with Request to Test for Radon

I hand delivered the Request to Test for Radon document to these government agencies in South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, and Stateline, Nevada. I was usually able to explain the purpose of testing for radon to the manager of the department. Time will tell if the managers request radon tests for their departments and if the requests will actually generate radon tests, knowing how slowly the wheels of government turn. But still, it's a start. I think possibly the unions and employee bargaining units may be the best vehicle to get radon tests into government buildings because they work from the ground up and can use the leverage of employee health and safety issues during negotiations. Thanks to all I had the opportunity to meet and talk to.

Agencies contacted so far:

Federal:

Regional:
Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

State of California:
California Tahoe Conservancy
Lahontan Water Quality Control Board
Department of Motor Vehicles

Douglas County, Nevada:
Douglas County Parks and Recreation, Kahle Park

El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe:
Public Defender
District Attorney
Public Health
Superior Court
Development Services
Environmental Management
Mosquito-Vector Control
Library, South Lake Tahoe Branch
Child Support Services
Probation Department
Sheriff-Coroner

El Dorado County, Placerville:
Assessor
Treasurer-Tax Collector
Auditor-Controller
Surveyor
Geological Survey
Human Resources and Risk Management
Environmental Management
General Services
General Services, Facilities Management
Information Technology
Grand Jury
Office of Emergency Services
911 Dispatch
Superior Court
Parks and Recreation
Library

City of South Lake Tahoe:
Police Department
Director of Finance
Administrative Center
Recreation Complex, Ice Rink and Pool
Senior Center
Art Building

City of Placerville
Community Services
City Manager

Unions and Employee Bargaining Units
El Dorado County Employees Assn, Local #1

Newspapers contacted
Mountain Democrat Newspaper, Placerville, CA
Tahoe Daily Tribune, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Mountain News, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, CA
Read news release.

I Speak to Board of Supervisors and Request That All County Buildings be Tested for Radon

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors heard my quarterly update on radon progress. Some yawned their way through my three minute presentation. I handed out the EPA/IOG Report which showed that the EPA has not been effective in solving the radon problem and that we need to work harder on the local level; the How-To-Build-Radon-Out document, which I hand delivered to Angora Fire victims and found that most did not know anything about radon, indicating that the County "Outreach and Public Education" is not terribly effective. I used the radon problem in the USFS building to highlight the need to test all County buildings. I also handed out the Request to Test document (view all documents below) Read my presentation After the presentation I walked to the agencies in the El Dorado County Government Complex, handed out the Request to Test document, and talked to managers about why they should test for radon. See agencies contacted, above.

USFS Supervisor's Building Reports High Radon

The brand new (4 years new) U.S. Forest Service building near Al Tahoe behind the post office in South Lake Tahoe has reported high radon readings. The designers apparently did not take into account that Tahoe has high radon potential, and did not take steps to build radon out, as the EPA recommends in high radon areas. Radon tests of 16, 20, and 30 pCi/L in some offices were reported.

The testing was done by chance because one of the employees was getting head aches and decided to test to see if radon was the problem. Radon causes lung cancer, not headaches, but the high results of the test alerted the safety officer to test further, confirming high radon levels throughout the building.

The designers made use of a plenum to circulate air throughout the building, but did not plan on radon accumulating in the plenum and be circulated throughout the building with the air. Hopefully this embarrassment to the Federal Government will be a warning to other government agencies to test for radon in their buildings (see Request to Test handout, below). The Forest Service plans to meet with a design team to try and figure out how to mitigate the building. Radon At Tahoe offered our services but so far the USFS has declined the offer.

EPA Office of Inspector General Says " We're Not Doing Enough to Protect Public"

Nearly two decades after passage of the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA), exposure to indoor radon continues to grow. Efforts to reduce exposure through mitigation or building with radon-resistant new construction have not kept pace. Of 6.7 million new single family detached homes built nationwide between 2001 and 2005, only about 469,000 incorporated radon-resistant features. Of 76.1 million existing single family homes in the United States in 2005, only about 2.1 million had radon-reducing features in place.

Read full report

Radon at Tahoe distributes "Request to Test" document to government office buildings in South Lake Tahoe

After speaking to the City Council (see below), I drove to nearly every city, county, state and federal building on the South Shore and handed out the "Request to Test" document. The document states "Radon At Tahoe respectfully requests that every Federal, State, County and City building, whether rented or owned, in the Lake Tahoe Basin be tested for radon." The document lists the basics about radon and then goes on to explain the two school district tests and the new US Forestry Service building with incredibly high radon readings. Those high readings in a new government office building inspired me to request that all government buildings be tested.

The process of driving around town took the better part of a day (with more still to do), but meeting with receptive government workers who were open to being protected from radon was gratifying. Time will tell how many respond by testing. I feel they would be hard pressed to say no. I will speak to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors next week. Read Request to Test document.

Radon at Tahoe speaks before City Council

I gave my "quarterly radon update" to the City Council during the public comment 3 minute time slot. I praised the city building department for handing out Radon Basic Facts and architectural drawings of RRNC (Radon Resistant New Construction) systems with all new house plan packets. I passed out the Build Radon Out flyer I handed out to the victims of the Angora Fire, and I challenged the City Council to test all city government buildings for radon. See item above.

June 2, 2008

1884 visitors to radon at tahoe.com

Couple pull children from school over radon worries

Lake Tahoe parent Heather Howell explained to the Douglas County School Board on May 21 why she and her husband, Douglas County Planning Commissioner Lawrence Howell, pulled their two sons from Zephyr Cove Elementary School.

"As parents, we felt our children were not safe," she said. "Because the district has taken too long to make radon mitigation a priority, I feel I can no longer trust them to accomplish other things or take care of basic safety needs."
Read article.

HSA Accounts May Pay for Radon Testing and Mitigation

There are reports that radon mitigation is a covered expense under many Health Care Spending Accounts, similar to lead paint removal. In many cases it seems that various providers do not even require a letter, while others want proof that the radon averages above 4 pCi/L. This is truly intended as a prevention measure! Check with your HSA provider to be sure.

How to Build Radon Out Flyer Distributed to All Angora Fire Building Sites

In an attempt to educate and persuade more contractors to use RRNC (Radon Resistant New Construction) methods when they rebuild in the Angora Fire area, Radon At Tahoe distributing a flyer to all building sites in the Angora Burn Area. The flyer is also available in the El Dorado County and City of South Lake Tahoe Building Departments, as well as below. One side of the flyer is an EPA Building Radon Out poster. (This is the same poster we hope to place in the El Dorado County Building Department. More on that later). The other side lists the building requirements for RRNC and encourages builders to either hire the process out to a certified radon mitigator, or to read the books and do the job themselves. Read the flyer.

Anti-radon activist running for Douglas County School Board

Greg Felton, a vocal critic of the Douglas County School District in its handling of radon mitigation at Zephyr Cove Elementary School and the closure of Kingsbury Middle School, has filed for School Board Area 3 in Lake Tahoe, challenging incumbent and board vice president Cindy Trigg.

"Many parents, and I'm among them, have been frustrated trying to handle issues through the incumbent," Felton said. "In some areas, she has considered her own views more valid and important than those of her constituents." Read article.

Meeting with Environmental Management and Building Department on Radon Plan Progress

Radon At Tahoe met today with Ginger Huber of El Dorado County Environmental Management and Bob Green of Development Services to evaluate the actual progress on the Radon Awareness Program. Many items have not been addressed, but some progress has been made. More on the meeting later. Read Radon Awareness Program.

Are Granite Countertops Bad for Your Health?

It's a popular upgrade for new homes, but could your granite countertop actually be a hazard to your health? The family who agreed to have their granite countertop tested for radiation wants you to know the answer to that question. They asked that their identity not be revealed, but they would like to share what was found at their home.

“We're living in a world that has radiation in it. And there's nothing that you can do to stop it. However, that's above background. That is an enhanced source of radiation,” said Bill Llope. Llope is a Rice University physicist.

Read article and view video clip from 11 News in Houston, Texas.

View video on YouTube.

I will report on radon scientist's reaction to this news article soon.

Joel Bittle responds:

Published on May 14th, 2008

Posted in Health , Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality

The Marble Institute of America better get ready for another round of fighting because the issue of radon in granite countertops is back. For the past decade, the MIA has been trying, with much success, to squash the rumor that granite countertops have the potential to add dangerous amounts of radon in the home. A new study being conducted by Houston area not-for-profit BuildClean is raising old fears about the dangers of granite countertops, and its preliminary results show that while most granite countertops in the study contain very little to no radon at all, the countertops that do contain radon have levels that are frighteningly high.  While consumers can be secure in the fact that the vast majority of granite is perfectly safe, a small percentage is still in question, and no independent scientific study exists to assuage consumer fears.

The first issue of Solid Surface in 1995 explored the possibility that granite countertops may pose a health risk. Soon, the MIA issued their response , which attacked the credibility of the science involved in the study as well as the fact that the advertisers in the journal included companies that competed with granite countertop manufacturers. But one phrase in the response, a highlighted phrase no less, is troubling: “…actual levels of radon gas emmissions are so low as to be insignificant and generally represent no threat.” As a father, I don't want to be assured that there is “generally” no threat to my family. I want to know there is no threat. And after BuildClean found that 3 of 95 granite countertops contained harmful amounts of radon, would the MIA consider such a small number to be “generally” no threat? I'm sure the owners of those three countertops are not reassured.

Look around for information on radon in granite and you will find many sites telling you the “truth” or uncovering “myths” about radon. Since many of the statistics cited are the same, it's clear that much of the information comes from the MIA response linked above or from an updated (though with the same references) MIA PDF . My personal favorite was a site titled “ Ask an Expert - 9 Myths about Granite ” where they claim that “No one today takes credit for starting the rumor, and certainly no one supports it.” No one? They then make the claim that granite actually has healing properties. Most troubling is the fact that, as experts, they don't seem to know that “lose” is spelled with only one “o.” The most common argument you'll find, that radon occurs naturally, really needs to be taken out of their playbook. Just because it's on the periodic table of the elements doesn't mean I want it in my house. I'm talking to you, Californium.

In late 2007, the MIA scuffled with Home Safety Systems, which sells radon detectors. Like the fight over the original journal article, this seems to be another example of competing companies arguing science, which doesn't sit right with me. The current BuildClean study is funded in part by Silestone and Cambria, two competitors of granite countertops. (Ironically, Silestone is a sponsor of the “Ask the Experts” article above - their logo is at the bottom of the page.)

So how do we start trusting that granite is safe? An independent study done by the EPA would be a good start. Leave corporate interests out of it. And don't give us general findings - tell us exactly what was found. Since radon is found naturally in some parts of the earth, the MIA needs to admit that there is a possibility that some granite will contain radon, and then show how they are making sure such slabs do not make their way into our homes. Are granite countertops screened for radon before reaching the consumer? (Maybe the folks over at Home Safety Systems can help the MIA out with that.) Otherwise, without solid assurances, it won't be long until consumers reject granite outright.

For information on green alternatives to granite, try Green Counter Culture .

Tags: granite , indoor air quality , kitchens , radon

Gary Hodgden comments:
Just a quick note:  While overall contribution to indoor radon levels to any significant degree from granite countertops, pool tables or marble floors is fairly unlikely in most situations, the industrial side of this question strikes me as the true, untold story. I imagine milling and finishing sites as I imagine the old brake factories where asbestos exposure caused the bulk of asbestos deaths.  As we know, the release of radon from powered granite would far exceed anything imaginable from any intact chunk of granite.  In addition, the inhalation of such dust would take the concern to a completely different level of magnitude. 
No doubt, there are several test devices for indoor radon where some guidance should be specified and such work for a generic statement in standards is underway.

Sac Bee Article on Lung Cancer Ignores Radon

Anita Cramer headlined the Scene section of the Friday Sacramento Bee with a story on lung cancer in non-smoking woman. Read full article.

The problem is that she left out the probable cause: radon, except for the off-handed mention of the word. Read my response.

April 25, 2008

1798 visitors to radon at tahoe.com

Smoking and Radon
Government compensation to uranium miners

The American Cancer Society warns that smoking greatly increase the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon. " For people exposed to higher levels of radon, it is especially important to quit smoking. Evidence has shown that the combined effect of cigarette smoking and radon exposure can cause lung cancer. For miners, the synergy between smoking and radon exposure has resulted in extremely high health risks.

For those miners whose health was compromised by exposure to radon, the United States has established a national compensation approach through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, passed in 1990 (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Committee) and amended in 2000. The act began with an apology to the uranium miners and offered compensation to miners for lung cancer and selected nonmalignant lung diseases, if selected criteria were met. Health care professionals should be aware of the availability of this compensation for eligible persons." Read the full article.

The American Cancer Society is still officially silent on helping with local efforts to publicize or correct radon problems in the Sierra Nevada. Neither the national headquarters nor local chapters have thus far joined us in campaigning for radon reform in residential housing or commercial buildings. Radon at Tahoe will continue to press for local support.

The Wall Street Journal Runs Radon Story

"It might be the ugliest home improvement. Last month, I finally did something about my radon problem." Thus begins the story in the Wall Street Journal about a reporter's encounter with a radon installation. Radon is getting some well deserved play on the national level. Read story.

Reno Channel 2 News runs Radon Story

For the second time in three months, Reno News 2 KTVN has run a story on radon.

Radon: The Silent Home Invader That Can Kill
By Dennis Thompson , HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 28 (HealthDay News) -- You can't see, smell or taste radon. The gas emanates naturally from the soil, seeping up into homes that rest on the ground. The only way to avoid it, really, is to have a house on stilts.... Read complete story.

2008 National Radon Poster Contest

The National Safety Council, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sponsored the 2008 National Radon Poster Contest for children ages 9-14 to generate interest, enthusiasm, and action about radon safety and to increase the number of homes tested for radon. Click image for larger view. View other winners at the NSC web site.

Tahoe schools could enter posters for the 2009 contest. See NSC web site for details.

Collaboration Meeting Urged on Radon Education

After the defeat of the radon ordinance by the County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors, Radon At Tahoe requested a "Stakeholders" Meeting to review progress and set goals for better radon education and "encouragement" of RRNC in the Tahoe Basin. Building Services, Environmental Management, Radon At Tahoe and the California Public Health radon scientist were proposed as attendees. Read letter.

EPA Now Recommends Mitigation at Lower Levels

Douglas County School Board President, Teri Jamin, received a rare hands-on communication from EPA Radon Team Leader, Phil Jalbert rearding the school's attempt to test and mitigate the radon at Zephyr Cove Elementary School. One very interesting inclusion in the letter was the EPA's recommendation that mitigation for radon be done at levels BELOW the action level of 4 pCi/L.

To quote Mr Jalbert, " Recent  radon  risk  assessments  confirm  that  the  risk  at relatively  low  levels  of  radon is significant.  For this reason, EPA recommends that mitigation be considered at levels even below our action level  of  4  pCi/L  (and  specifically  between  2  and  4  pCi/L)  for residential  structures."
Read the letter

Tilting at Windmills
The Impossible Dream
To have a radon ordinance in a town with high radon. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors rejected a radon ordinance. Read story in Tribune. Read my unsuccessful attempt to convince the Board otherwise, in my three and a half minutes of public comment. It was a day spent waiting in the County Board room in Placerville from 9am until 2pm when the item finally came up on the agenda. My words fell on deaf ears as the Supervisors had already decided to kill the ordinance: The measure passed 3 to 1 to follow staff (Building Department, Larry Lohman's) recommendation to not pursue a radon ordinance. Norma Santiago was the lone desenter. Read the proposal What was learned: Logic may carry little weight in a political arena. Duh! Also, work more within the system rather than presenting before the Board. Read Press Release sent to LA Times, Sac Bee, and Tahoe Daily Tribune.

CGS Radon Maps .... we're still waiting

After the 1989 statewide California Radon Survey and the 2007 Tahoe Radon Survey by the California Department of Public Health found that the Sierra Nevada is a high radon risk area, we are still waiting for the California Geological Survey to publish the results in the form of Radon Geology Maps that can be used for Natural Hazard Disclosure reports, for LEED Green Building radon requirements and for building and planning departments to use in recommending or requiring RRNC (Radon Resistant New Construction) techniques. Read my letter to the CGS.

Green Building for Angora Fire Victims

County Supervisor Norma Santiago organized a Green Building Open House at LTCC to help Angor fire victims find "green" resources for rebuilding after the fire. It was well attended by home owners looking for information, builders looking for clients and agencies looking to help with the process. Radon At Tahoe had a table and gave out literature and answered questions on building radon out. There is a growing interest in green building and LEED Certification, which requires RRNC (Radon Resistant New Construction) in high radon areas.

Radon and Real Estate

I gave a Powerpoint presentation to the real estate agents at Dickson Realty. Dennis Liebl, Broker/Manager of Dickson Realty asked if I could teach his agents the basics of radon, how to test for it, how to fixit and the liability issues. I used the model of a Radon Stragegy and suggested that every real estate agent should develop their own radon strategy to be prepared for questions and to avoid liability. View the Radon and Real Estate Resource Sheet.

Tribune Ignores Council's Radon Decision

The Tahoe Daily Tribune did not report on the City Council meeting and the radon ordinance, even though the had previously written an editorial, on September 14, last year, clearly in favor of radon public safety measures and stating that the City Council "...would be well advised to address the issue (of radon) at its next meeting...." Link to story. Read copy. City Editor, Elaine Goodman wrote me asking my recollection at what happened at the Council meeting and I wrote back to her to answer her questions and to chide her for missing coverage of this important radon development. Read my letter.

City Council Rejects Radon Ordinance

So Sad. The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted 4 to 1 to discontinue discussions on adopting a radon ordinance for the City. Ron Ticknor, City Building Official made a presentation that did not support an ordinance. I was given the opportunity to respond but was not able to change any minds. Council members Kathay Lovell, Mike Weber, Bill Crawford and Jerry Birdwell voted to end discussion, only Ted Long saw merit in continuing discussion on radon and so voted. We are sorry that the City chose not to take action on this safety issue and protect its citizens from this cancer causing gas. Surprisingly, this comes at a time of renewed interest in radon from other quarters. I will be speaking to 30 realtors at a local real estate agency on Tuesday and to Angora Fire victims wanting to rebuild "Green" at a LTCC workshop sponsored by County Supervisor Norma Santiago on Thursday. Radon is not dead yet. Stay tuned.

Douglas County School Board Makes Radon Mitigation No. 1 Priority

The Douglas County School Board voted Tuesday night to make radon mitigation at Zephyr Cove Elementary School the district's No. 1 priority.

"I don't want there to be any question whatsoever: this is our largest priority," said board Vice President Cynthia Trigg during the meeting at Douglas High School. "There is no more time to waste." Read complete story.

February 14, 2008

Tahoe Daily Tribune Features Radon on Front Page

Both the Tribune and the Mountain News reported on the test results at the local school districts. Radon is starting to make headlines, as our public ic institutions begin testing and fixing their radon problems.

Both articles note that radon in the home is a larger problem that can be fixed by individuals. Yet public awareness has not yet translated into public action to test and fix their homes, at least not on a wide-scale basis. Yet these articles add to the growing body of knowledge and concern. Read the article. Read a copy of the article.

February 1, 2008

1589 visitors to radon at tahoe.com

Mountain News runs story of Zephyr Cove Schools

Pickup a free copy at your local news stand or click here to view an image of the article.

Douglas School Board to review radon removal

The Douglas County School Board will review current radon mitigation tactics at Zephyr Cove Elementary School during their board meeting Tuesday. The meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. at Douglas High School in Minden. District Business Services Director Holly Luna and Dirk Roper, mitigation radon consultant with Fallon Heating and Air, will present a summary report on radon and the alternative mitigation method called active slab depressurization. The sub slab would create a vacuum under the school, which would catch all the gas from the ground, including radon, and release it in another area away from the students. This would prevent the radon gas from entering the school.
The district currently is using high-efficiency particulate air filters, which filters out radon progeny — radioactive particles into which radon decays — after it enters the room. View Article in the Record-Courier.

Note: This comes after the District invested a few thousand dollars in HEPA air filters. Sub-slab depressurization is the EPA-recommended approach.

Radon Makes Cover of Tahoe Quarterly

It's not exactly the cover of the Rolling Stone, but this fashionable Tahoe lifestyle magazine promoted radon on the cover and followed up with an informative and well-written article on radon in the Tahoe area. The Mountain Home 2008 issue is not yet up on their web site
(www.tahoequarterly.com), but you can read the article from images here or pick up a copy at your newsstand.

We consider this an important media development because many of the readers and advertisers of the Tahoe Quarterly have yet to understand that radon is a problem or to come to terms with dealing with it. Articles like this get radon on to the table tops and into the conversation of builders, designers and owners of high-end properties around the Lake. Real estate professionals will begin to see more requests for testing of houses for sale as radon goes mainstream.

Tribune Reports on Radon News

The Tahoe Daily Tribune ran two new briefs on radon.

Termites and Radon: Is there a connection?

Will treating a house for radon increase the chance of termites? Will laying down a radon barrier cloth over the previously dry, aired-out soil under a house, change the soil's moisture content to make it a breeding ground for termites? Will effective radon treatment make effective termite treatment difficult or impossible?

These questions were brought up by my friend Ole Olson of Mountain Termite of South Lake Tahoe. I did some research and found surprisingly nothing written on the topic so I addressed my concerns to a termite researcher, Dr. Vernard Lewis, of the University of California, Berkeley, a radon scientist at the EPA, and the members of the professional radon group, AARST. Read my letter while we await their response.

Responses:

James Long, EPA:
I have forwarded your comments to a radon mitigation person here. I did a quick look around our site and did not find any discussion of pests or termites or infestation related to radon mitigation systems. I did a google search and noted that a number of home inspectors in more than a couple of states offer multi-tiered inspection services for radon and termites. Have you spoken to any of the local home inspectors to see what they recommend and how they deal with the issue? Just a suggestion...

(Note: In California, radon testing and mitigation require certifications that no home inspectors in the Tahoe Area currently possess, according to the California Department of Public Health Radon web page (as of 2-1-08).. Also, termite inspection requires a separate license in California and is performed by termite inspection companies. I have found no one locally knowledgeable on the topic of termites and radon.)

Mitigation person, EPA:
...A sub membrane depressurization technique in theory could weaken ( dilute ) a already existing pesticide application in a exposed earth crawlspace because of the increased ventilation taking place under the membrane. I have no working experience with this theory. The amount of ventilation that takes place under the membrane would depend on a number of things like : Is the membrane tightly sealed to the foundation walls and to other structural components and how much replacement air is coming from outside the foundation walls. Not knowing the life cycle of termites, I don't think the membrane would stop the termites from returning to the soil because they could go outside the foundation walls. If I'm not mistaken the pesticide application can take place inside and outside the crawlspace foundation wall. So if a radon system is in place the application can take place on the outside. My only recall on a potential problem with pesticide application and radon systems is when a sub slab pressurization system technique is employed and the pesticide vapors can be forced into the living space.

Posted by Gary Hodgden from AARST on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 02:20 pm: With plastic sheeting, it would not seem realistic that moisture content of soil beneath would alter the habits of termites. They travel regardless of moisture wherever they can find food (cellulose). A cloth soil barrier is a problem for life span of the membrane as well as anything that might be composed of cellulose (termite bait). G Hodgden

Posted by Dave Hill from AARST on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 03:54 pm: I agree with Gary. I would also like to add that your depressurization system should be preventing the build-up of moisture under the barrier. In fact, the system should substantially reduce the moisture entry into the crawlspace itself. Which is good for reducing insect activity in general. Dave Hill

Conclusions

The consensuses is that radon abatement should not create a termite problem because the system actually dries out the soil in the process of eliminating radon from under the radon barrier. However, what was not mentioned is that a correct radon installation should not have the radon barrier or plastic sheeting attached to wood, either on the support posts or on the sill plate above the foundation wall. Doing so would allow termites to migrate up into the wood, under cover of the radon barrier and be out of view unless the barrier cloth was removed for inspection, a tiresome job! It's important to use a good polyurethane adhesive, such as S-M SM7108 (see Supply Page) that adheres the radon barrier and plastic to concrete block. This will keep all wood exposed to air and allow for visual termite inspection without removing the radon barrier.

South Lake Tahoe City Council Hears Radon Update

I spoke before the City Council to give a radon update and handed out a packet consisting of my notes, the radon resolution adopted by the County Board and the Radon Awareness Program written by Environmental Management. I told the Council that the County appears to be dropping the ball by not pursuing a radon ordinance and that those of us in the Tahoe portion of El Dorado County many have to take the lead if we expect to protect ourselves from radon. I volunteered to be on a committee to study the radon issue for the city. Read the update.

KTVN Channel 2 Reno News runs story on radon

One of the few television stations to report on radon, according to Goggle, our own KTVN Channel 2 News in Reno ran a short story on the Sunday news show. The story explained the dangers of radon, that January is National Radon Awareness Month, and that it is easy to test for and fix. Thousands of Sunday news viewers heard the bi-line: "Radon Gas More Deadly Than Carbon Monoxide Poisoning." Read the news story. Read my response .

A Weak Response from County Building Officials

After talking to Larry Lohman, it appears that the recommendations to the Board will be to simply include the language of Appendix F of the IRC into Title 15 of the County Building Code. This means that if a builder chooses to add radon mitigation to a building, he must do it in a way that meets the requirements of Appendix F. After we have learned that our area has the highest radon readings in the state and among the highest readings in the nation, this is a poor response from our county officials who are supposed to be concerned for our health. The only way to really build radon out is to require it on all new buildings via a radon ordinance, as most other high radon areas have done. I will try to influence our elected county officials to enact a radon ordinance as a proper response to our radon problems. In the mean time, I will follow the progress of this issue as it develops.

Closing in on a Radon Ordinance

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors has stopped just short of directing the Department of Development Services (Building Department) to draft a radon ordinance. Instead they asked Environmental Management and the Planning Department to take two months to come up with "recommendations" to address the radon issue. It is not clear if that means they will spend the time developing a radon ordinance. I have offered my assistance but so far have not been asked to participate.

Here is how the Board of Supervisor minutes read:

48. 08-0099 Supervisor Santiago recommending Environmental Management and Development Services Departments work together to develop a Radon
Ordinance for new construction in the Tahoe Basin.

A motion was made by Supervisor Santiago, seconded by Supervisor Briggs to request the Planning, Building and Environmental Management staff to return to the Board on March 25, 2008 with recommendations addressing the radon issue.
Yes: 5 - Dupray, Baumann, Sweeney, Briggs and Santiago

If and when a radon ordinance is drafted and adopted, it will be the first radon ordinance in California. Radon At Tahoe would consider this to be a major accomplishment of our three year effort to gain support for radon awareness in the Tahoe area. Read my letter to Larry Lohman, Deputy Director - Building Official.

Sacramento Bee Publishes My Letter on Radon

For the first time, and after much effort and many letters, The Sacramento Bee finally published one of my letters on radon. My letter was critical of the Bee's lack of reporting of radon news in the Tahoe area. Let's see if they cover the radon ordinance story.

January 08, 2008

El Dorado County Board of Supervisors issue Resolution on National Radon Awareness Month and receives Radon Public Outreach Plan

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors has finally taken action regarding radon nearly a year after I first addressed the board in February, 2007. The resolution is a benign statement that radon is bad, without taking action on how to fix the problem. One of the WHEREAS's states that "one in 15 homes across the United States has an elevated radon level," but the resolution leaves out the fact that one in every two homes in South Lake Tahoe has the same elevated radon level. It's a start, but the Board stopped short of requesting that Development Services (our Building Department) adopt the RRNC code in IRC Appendix F into a radon ordinance in the Lake Tahoe portion of El Dorado County, as Radon At Tahoe has been asking for. Read the resolution.

El Dorado County Environment Management presented a Radon Awareness Program to the Board. The plan covers most of the important areas Radon At Tahoe has been calling for. The goal for any radon-aware citizens out there will now be to monitor the progress of this plan. One important part of the plan is the recommendation that Development Services draft a radon ordinance. When I last spoke to Larry Lohman, Deputy Director of Development Services and Building Official, he said he was not inclined to draft a radon ordinance unless he was directed to do so by the Board. A recommendation by Environmental Management may not have the same clout as a directive by the Board. That will also have to be monitored in the coming weeks. But at least we have the government officials talking about radon. Next will be to see how the City of South Lake Tahoe deals with radon. Read the Radon Awareness Program.

Blog about Radon at Zephyr Cove Elementary School

The debate is heating up on the proposed closing of Kingsbury Middle School and the radon found and not fixed at Zephyr Cove Elementary School. Richard and Gary Bolan of Dickson Real Estate have this rather comprehensive report on their blog page. How Douglas County handles the issue of radon at Zephyr Cove, the proposed closure of Kingsbury Middle School, and particularly the parent's complaints about it, could be a lesson on how not to deal with radon in a public institution.

To view the blog:
http://www.laketahoerealestateblog.com/?p=392

Radon at Tahoe invited to Radon Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Washington D.C.

(Everyone's Invited!) January is National Radon Action Month. The U.S EPA has asked not just Radon at Tahoe, but representatives from government, non-profit organizations, private industry, and communities across the country to attend a ceremony on January 10, 2008 to recognize the accomplishments of radon leaders from the public and private sectors. View agenda. We won't be able to attend this time. Maybe next year!

STPUD: Presentation on Radon in Water given to South Tahoe Public Utility District.

The Board listened to my presentation on reducing radon in our public water supply by using aerators at the well. They asked questions, but the final result was that they were not going to spend money to reduce radon below what they are required to do by the federal government. Currently the EPA Water Bill is only proposed (since 1996!) with little hopes of passing. Hopefully STPUD will see the benefit of reducing radon as a public health and publicity benefit even if not a federal requirement. Read presentation.

Jeff Miner inducted into AARST - The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists

The AARST web page is a good place to go to view the latest research and points of view on radon issues. From the AARST Mission Statement: AARST is a nonprofit, professional organization of members who are dedicated to the highest standard of excellence and ethical performance of radon measurement, radon mitigation and transfer of radon information for the benefit of members, consumers and the public at large.

December 8, 2007

1455 visitors

Marketing Radon Awareness

Are we ready to market radon better? Read the Marketing Page to find out about our Market Radon Project.

Free Radon Test Kits in Incline Village

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Radon Program will make available free radon test kits for NEVADA residents. Test kits will be available at their Reno, Carson City and Douglas county offices and in Incline Village, NV. This is part of the preparations for National Radon Action Month coming up in January.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Washoe County/Incline Village
865 Tahoe Blvd.   Suite # 110
Incline Village , NV 89452
Phone: (775) 832-4150

.... And we get Letters...

Folks from Tahoe to Wisconsin have written to say thanks and to recount their progress in testing and fixing their homes. Here are some samples:

From Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, Nevada, 11/9/07:
I have checked out your website and found it to be very informative…I purchased the Pro Series 3 and have just passed my first 48 hours for testing ….the reading came out at 22!  Talk about a freak out…I have now moved it to another location and will be waiting for the next 48 hours…apparently we have a very big Radon problem!...we have lived here for four years and are located on lower Kingsbury …do you recommend any contractors that work on this problem …because of personal health concerns (history) I do not want to do the fix myself…although I have been in the craw space way to many times…please advise…as this is something that we need to get completed…

From Tahoe Quarterly, 11/15/07:
I am writing an article about radon in the Tahoe Basin for Tahoe Quarterly magazine, and so far all roads lead to you! Are you available for a brief chat? The focus of the article is essentially what is radon, why Tahoe, and what to do about it. I am surprised, given the findings, that not more is being done at the county or state level...I have calls into those agencies as well.

From La Crosse, WI, 12/4/07:
I just wanted to say thanks for the web site. I just got the results back from testing our basement for radon after I installed a mitigation system…myself.  I read and reread your website many times in addition to consulting a professional installer by phone and reading radon installation codes online. I tested twice—short term and long term--in two years before mitigation and had results of 7.1pci and 7.4pci. After mitigation the result is 1.4pci. With all supplies vs. an estimate I had from an installer, I saved $1650 (we have a challenging crawl space). That's even with using the best adhesives, manometer, piping, back draft testing, labels, installing separate breaker and wiring, Fantech 150, etc. Everything meets/exceeds code. I'm a perfectionist, so I plan to add plastic sheeting to some of the seams and retest in a few months just to be sure. It's been in the 10s-20s here in WI. The house is closed and the furnace is running steady (ducts run in the crawl space), so the result seems pretty accurate. I only waited a couple days before testing, though.

Thanks again for your help. I put off the mitigation because of the cost for a few years, but got the system done before our new born son (our first) came home from the hospital. Now he has a great start on his college fund!

From homeowner, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 10/17/07
I took the radon test last spring and had a high reading. I called you and you sold me the book and a continuous monitor. The readings went down for the summer, but are now going up again. So... I have now read the book, come up with plans, and made many lists. I've also come up with many questions. I plan on doing the work myself.

I would like to meet with you so you could go over my plans with me, answer my questions and make sure I've understood this whole thing. Do you do this kind of thing - is it part of your consulting business? If so, how much do you charge? 

From Washoe Tribe Environmental Specialist, 2/17/07:
I was in attendance at your Radon Lecture at SNC in January. I work for the Washoe Tribe and am currently administering our Tribal Radon Pilot Project Grant. Since Lake Tahoe is part of the Tribe's ancestral lands I think it would be beneficial for us to collaborate our education and outreach efforts. Possible ideas for collaboration:

• Earth Day booths at various events.
• Collaborative example mitigation within Tribal Colony
• Tribal Council tour of your mitigated house  

Jeff Miner Awarded the NEHA-NRPP Radon Residential Provider Certificate

The National Environmental Health Association - National Radon Proficiency Program accepted my application for the Radon Residential Mitigation Provider Certificate. This means that I will be listed on the California Department of Public Health Radon web page as a Certified Radon Services Provider for Mitigation in California. This is a rather prestigious designation since currently only 6 radon mitigation providers are certified for all of California. It also allows me act as a consultant for homeowners and builders on radon projects in California. I am also listed on the NEHA-NRPP web page as providing radon services in California.

Letter to the Editor printed in Tahoe Daily Tribune

The Tahoe Daily Tribune printed my letter to the editor on November being National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Read letter, Read copy.

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The Sacramento Bee ran a letter to the editor on lung cancer and that November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Since the Bee has not yet covered the radon story at Tahoe or printed my letter criticizing them for ignoring us, I hope they will publish my letter in response to this letter to the editor on lung cancer. I also wrote a letter to the Tahoe Daily Tribune on National Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

November 9, 2007
and
December
1, 2007

LTUSD to test 450 classrooms for radon

According to Steve Morales, Facilities Director of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, the District took delivery of the radon test kits this week and has plans to test 450 classrooms for radon next week. This will be the largest commercial test to date in South Lake Tahoe. LTUSD is expected to use the testing process to increase radon awareness in students so they may encourage their parents to send for a $5 test kit and test their homes. View my letter to Steve Morales.

In December the test kits arrived. George Faggella, State Radon Officer (right) came up to Tahoe to help Steve Morales (center) and the maintenance crew (that's Tim hiding behind a test kit!) with the distribution of the 450 test kits and 50 control test kits. Results will be announced after the first of the year.

Does California have the highest radon cancer rates in the nation?

According to George Faggella, State Radon Scientist with the Department of Public Health, California may have the highest incidence of radon induced lung cancer of any state in the nation. That is not because California is the highest radon state, actually it is one of the lowest, with only 1% of houses over the EPA action level. It is because of our large population. I have not seen the statistics on this claim, but it's an interesting concept, and if true, could wake up our politicians and our citizens to the risks of radon in Californian.

Supervisor Norma Santiago requests a radon ordinance from Environmental Management

According to Judi Harkins, Assistant to Supervisor Norma Santiago, Norma has tasked Environmental Management with drafting a radon ordinance. It will be interesting to see how EM responds and in what time frame. Norma hopes the ordinance will be included with the new fire safe building rules to go into effect January 1, 2008.

November 5, 2007

1358 visitors

"May we see your Radon Plan?"

In light of the radon report to the Board of Supervisors at Lake Tahoe on October 23, by George Faggella, State Radon Scientist, and the response by Gerri Silva of Environmental Management to do "education and public outreach", I have attempted to get Environmental Management to share with the public their plan of action for public outreach. So far I have not received a plan.

Read my letter to Greg Stanton, Deputy Director of Environmental Management, offering my suggestions on a radon action plan and my help to present a radon workshop to the 72 Angora fire victims with permits to build foundations this fall.

Read my request to Norma Santiago and Judi Harkins to encourage Environmental Management to reply to my request.

Read my suggestions for goals and action items for attacking radon in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Environmental Management has yet to accept my offer to do a radon workshop for builders of the 72 Angora fire houses being built this fall and winter.

As we wait for government's wheels to turn and the weeks turn to months, we have to reflect: How sad it is that we may very well loose those 72 homes to radon, by allowing them to be built without RRNC, Radon Resistant New Construction. The reason? El Dorado County has been too slow to act to inform the builders how easy and inexpensive it is to build radon out during new construction. (Note: Once the sub-floor covers the crawl space it is more difficult and expensive to lay out the pipe and radon barrier, but it still can be done.)

November 2, 2007

to

January 8, 2008

The Sacramento Bee refuses to report on radon or to publish my letters critical of their lack of interest.

11/2/07 I wrote a "letter to the editor" to the Sacramento Bee asking why The Bee has not covered the radon news in South Lake Tahoe as part of their Regional News. They covered the Angora Fire and in the past they have covered the asbestos story in the Sierra foothills, but not radon in South Lake Tahoe. I have written numerous similar letters to various editors and writers of The Bee over the past year. So far the Bee has not run any of the letters or reported on any of the radon news from this area. Not published.

11/5/07 M.S. Enkoji, of the Sacramento Bee, wrote a front page article on rebuilding after the Angora fire on November 5, 2007, but did not mention radon or Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) techniques. This is my letter in response, asking that Building Radon Out be included in the news about rebuilding after the fire. Not published.

11/6/07 I wrote a letter to the Opinion Editor stating my interest in writing a guest editorial piece on the radon issues in the Tahoe area. I promised to write the piece if the Bee showed the slightest interest in our radon problem. Not published.

11/9/07 I wrote a letter to David Holwerk, Editorial Page Editor, asking why my previous letters and requests have gone unanswered. Is radon not an acceptable topic of conversation at the Sacramento Bee? Not published.

1/8/08 I wrote yet another letter to the editor asking why the Bee continues to ignore our radon story. I cited the 1/8/08 El Dorado County Board Resolution on Radon Action Month and the Radon Awareness Program presented to the Board by Environmental Health that recommends that the building department adopt a radon ordinance. This government action on a serious health threat should be covered by the Bee as regional news.

EL Dorado County Board of Supervisors Hear Radon Report from Environmental Management

A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors at Lake Tahoe to view the Angora fire and to hear the radon report. George Faggella from the state Department of Health Radon Office made an excellent presentation on the lung cancer dangers of radon, the high radon in our area with 50% of homes over the EPA action level, and the ease of fixing the problem in new homes. Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) could be used on the Angora fire homes being rebuilt now. 72 of the 252 houses destroyed will be rebuilt this fall and winter. Now would be the time to install Radon Resistant New Construction methods. But the recommendations stopped short of adopting a radon ordinance, offering only a "...radon education and public outreach program..." I presented a letter to the board voicing my disappointment in their choice of the more passive education program and my support for action on the radon ordinance and training workshop.
Read my letter to the Board.
Read article.
Read copy of article.

I offered my services to give a builders workshop on RRNC, but Environmental Management has not yet agreed to the workshop. Oh well. Others in the audience expressed interest in making changes. Ted Long from the City Council expressed interest in moving forward with a radon ordinance for the City of South Lake Tahoe in January. Sue Novasell of the LTUSD School Board spoke to George Faggella about getting additional test kits for the school district to make available for students to take home for their parents to test their own houses.

More Letters to the Editor on Radon

10.18.07 Lisa Dernbach responds to my editorial
10.23.07 I respond to Lisa
10.23.07 Mark Hoefer comments on Zephyr Cove radon and home tests.
View letters.

$5 Radon Test Kits from California Radon Office

The California Department of Public Health Radon Office has made radon test kits available to all California residents at a discounted price of $5. Order yours now.

October 22, 2007

1312 visitors to Radon At Tahoe.com

2008 National Radon Poster Contest

The National Safety Council, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is sponsoring the 2008 National Radon Poster Contest for children ages 9-14 to generate interest, enthusiasm, and action about radon and to increase the number of homes tested for radon. To find out more information. click here

Interested students and teachers in LTUSD and Douglas County schools can enter this contest as entire classes or as individuals. Click here for the contest guidelines and brochure.

LTUSD agrees to test 450 classrooms and controversy continues over radon at Zephyr Cove Elementary.

Douglas County School District Board of Trustees met in Nevada to address the radon issue at Zephyr Cove Elementary School. Adrian Howe made a radon presentation to the Board and Dirk Roper answered questions on the fans scheduled to be installed in a few weeks. Some parents are still concerned about "safe" radon levels and would like to see the District close Zephyr Cove and keep Kingsbury Middle School open because of the higher radon levels at Zephyr Cove.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District followed Douglas County Schools' lead by announcing that they too will test all class rooms (450 rooms and offices) for radon. Steve Morales made the report to the School Board on Tuesday, 10-9-07 and expects to purchase charcoal test kits at a discount from the State of California Department of Public Health Radon Office. I think the controversy at Douglas County Schools in Nevada is increasing radon awareness everywhere in the Tahoe Basin.

I wrote to the LTUSD Board members to support their decision to test classrooms and to provide them with the report of the 2007 Tahoe Radon Survey which showed that over 50% of the homes in South Lake Tahoe are over the EPA action level. I attended that Board meeting on Tuesday and one of the Board members expressed interest in making test kits available to parents so they can test their homes, which is where students spend more time than in school classrooms.
View article. View copy

EPA 2007 - 2008 Radio and Print PSA's

The EPA has announced a series of radon Public Service Announcements for radio and news media. To view and order the PSA's, click here. I ordered a few sets to give out to our local radio stations and newspapers. To listen to one of the radio spots, click here.

Zephyr Cove parents meet on radon

I attended the Zephyr Cove parents meeting Wednesday evening. I was impressed by the way the District met the parent's challenge of keeping their kids out of school unless the radon issue was dealt with. More than just "damage control," though there was certainly some of that, they actually came up with a plan to use HEPA filters in all classrooms to immediately reduce the "radon progeny," the actual radiation that does damage to the lungs, while they are looking into the permits to do standard radon mitigation (since TRPA would have to give permission to exceed the October 15 moratorium on digging). Dirk Roper, of Fallon Heating and Air Conditioning, who is a Sponsor of Radon At Tahoe, was chosen as the Certified Radon tester and mitigator to consult on the project. Adrian Howe was also present and made the radon presentation for the State of Nevada Radon office. It seems to me that beyond radon, the issue of consolidation of schools still has some parents upset, even if the radon issues are dealt with. View article. View copy.

The Tahoe Daily Tribune ran my Guest Editorial!

I argue that because radon is a problem in this area, the city and county should respond by enacting a radon ordinance for new construction, especially for the 250 Angora fire victims. View article. View copy.

October 2, 2007

1223 visitors to Radon At Tahoe.com web page. News stories are generating interest.

Zephyr Cove Elementary School radon on front page

Members of the parents' club at Zephyr Cove Elementary School in Nevada threatened to take their children out of school on Monday if school officials fail to provide a plan to reduce radon in the school. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, October 3rd, which I plan to attend. View article. View copy.

Angora Fire Meeting with Assemblyman Ted Gaines
I attended the Angora Fire meeting at Lake Tahoe Community College set up by Assemblyman Ted Gaines, of the 4th Congressional District, which includes El Dorado, Placer and Alpine Counties, all of which are high in radon. I was able to deliver the detailed radon ordinance packet to Adam Willoughby, staff to Mr. Gaines, and I was able to speak to Mr. Gaines about radon in this area. Even though radon is not a problem in California, for the state as a whole, I got the impression that Mr. Gaines and his staff would study the issue as it relates to his district. Once he understands the dangers and the prevalence of radon in the areas he represents, I would hope that he will encourage city and county agencies to deal with radon in new construction, as well as radon in existing structures for residents in his district. Here is his email if you wish to encourage his participation in this process: assemblymember.gaines@assembly.ca.gov.

Tahoe Daily Tribune ran a follow-up to last week's story on radon in Nevada schools. View article. View copy. Last month, Zephyr Cove Elementary School, a few miles from Stateline, Nevada, attempted to mitigate several classrooms with a radon sealant called RadonSeal. The tests came back yesterday unchanged. I have never heard of RadonSeal and no one from Zephyr Cove asked my opinion. But had I been asked, I would have suggested that the EPA recommends specific sub membrane depressurization techniques using fans for slab foundations. At least the Nevada school is aware of radon, is testing and is attempting to correct the problem. Lake Tahoe Unified School District has yet to address radon in the schools on the California side, at least to my knowledge. I did present Dr. Tarwater, Superintendent of LTUSD, with my presentation packet on the radon ordinance, but so far have not received any response.

I spoke to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors at the public comment portion of their meeting. This seems to be the only way I can speak to these government bodies unless they invite me to make a presentation, which hasn't happened yet. My topic was the radon ordinance and I handed out the complete packet, as listed below.

Note: A formal radon presentation is scheduled by Environmental Health Management to a combined meeting of the City Council and the Board of Supervisors at South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, October 23, 2007.

Just prior to the board meeting I was able to speak to Greg Stanton, Assistant Director of Environmental Health Management, and Larry Lohman, Deputy Director - Building Official with the Building Department, to let them know that I was asking the Board for a radon ordinance. Both seemed interested in pursuing radon awareness but felt my request for a radon ordinance may not be met by the County in time to include the 250 Angora fire homes. Larry informed me that the building department is now attaching a Radon Resistant New Construction information sheet with every building plan approval packet, including those of the Angora fire homes. Thanks to the building department for this important step. We are making progress.

September
12, 2007

1169 visitors to Radon at Tahoe.com since inception about 3 years ago.

Tahoe Daily Tribune ran front page headlines and photo of lungs: RADON - It's invisible, odorless and all around us. The story uses much of my presentation and data from the City Council presentation the previous day, but also included interviews with Environmental Health Management official, Ginger Huber and others. Very good reporting by Adam Jensen of the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Link to story. Read copy.