Radon Gas Risks

Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States are estimated to have an elevated radon level (4pCi/L or more). The EPA has admitted that more than 21,000 annual lung cancer deaths can be attributed to radon. More Americans die every year from lung cancer induced by exposure to radon than from drunk driving. Yet, EPA has done little in the past to communicate to the public the health risks associated with radon gas exposure.

Radon is one of the greatest single environmental hazards facing the American public today. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of death due to lung cancer in the United States.

EPA first recognized exposure to elevated indoor concentrations of radon gas as a potential health problem in the 1960s when certain homes in Colorado were found to have been built with materials contaminated by uranium mill tailings. In the 1970s, EPA discovered that some homes in Florida built on reclaimed phosphate land had elevated radon levels.

The current radon gas notification in all Florida real estate sales and leases is grossly deficient.

Section 404.056 F.S. requires the following notice be included in all residential real estate transactions:

"RADON GAS: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained from your county health department."

The current notification is meaningless as there is no mechanism requiring homes or other buildings to be repaired if they exceed radiation standards; they do not have a "notification to buyers" provision that requires disclosure of known elevated radon gas levels.

To remedy this deficiency, ManaSota-88 supports the following:

1. The development of EPA standards limiting radon exposure to .01 WL. Current EPA standards allow for exposure of nearly 4 times this amount. Adoption of a radon standard of .01 WL is economically and technically feasible.

2. Florida law should allow tax relief for homeowners that correct radon problems in existing buildings.

3. Radon measurements should be taken in all Florida homes.

4. Florida law should require a notification provision in all deeds and leases of property stating the buildings meet state and federal radon guides or standards.

It has been decades since Floridians were first warned of the dangers of radon exposure. We cannot afford to wait for real and adequate protection from Florida's significant pollutants.