Radon gas may be a problem in 13 states, says EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The Office of Radiation Programs (ORP) within EPA has begun surveying buildings (mostly homes) in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The problem has already been identified in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas created by the natural decay of naturally-occurring uranium in soil. The cancer-causing gas can build up to dangerous levels in poorly-ventilated homes. Because newer homes are built to conserve energy, it is usually newer homes that are poorly ventilated.

The purpose of the 10-state survey is to identify "hot spots"--areas of these states where radon may present hazards. In homes that are subject to dangerous levels of radon, remedial action can be undertaken to ventilate the buildings better, to reduce the levels of radon.

The survey is being conducted by the ORP Radon Action Program, within EPA. They estimate that results of the 10-state survey will be released in mid-summer, 1987. For further information, contact them at (202) 475-9605.
--Peter Montague, Ph.D.

Descriptor terms: radon; epa; indoor air pollution; testing; al; co; ct; ks; ky; mi; ri; tn; wi; wy; pa; ny; nj; ORP; radon action program;