High amounts of radon found in Ireland residence

The Dubois County Health Department reported that an Ireland resident found elevated amounts of radon at his residence.

According to Shawn Werner of the Health Department the test indicated radon at 74 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

“An action is required when it is at 4 pCi/L.” Werner explained.

The residents in the vicinity were contacted to have testing done and those test results are expected in my Tuesday or Wednesday.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Although the EPA set acceptable limits at 4 pCi/L, no amount of exposure is safe.

Fortunately, radon is easily reduced in homes by adding ventilation systems from the basement or crawlspace.

The Dubois County Health Department can be contacted at 481-7050.