American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Call for New Radon Policies in U.S.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) is the leading professional scientific radon association in the country, focusing on improving radon research and testing. The AARST recently released a policy statement calling on the federal government to take serious steps for addressing this dangerous health risk.

AARST President Shawn Price addressed the limitations of current policies, stating, "The goals of the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act have not been achieved. The few policies implemented to date by the U.S. EPA have failed to adequately address that silent deadly killer." The AARST outlined several key steps that they feel are essential for reducing indoor radon exposure.

1. Congress must direct EPA to issue regulations requiring radon testing or notification for all home sales and requiring that these tests be conducted by certified professionals.
2. EPA must adopt a health-based action level no higher than 100 Bq/m3 (2.7 pCi/L) - the radon reference level adopted by the World Health Organization in 2009.
3. HUD must require that all federally assisted and insured housing units be mitigated if tested higher than EPA’s action level.
4. OSHA must update and clarify its regulatory standard for offices and other workplaces to be consistent with EPA’s action level.

The AARST board went on to describe the insufficient steps taken by the EPA and HUD in addressing the problem, including failing to act on several recommendations to lower the actionable level of radon from its current position of 4 pCi/L. Although it is not technologically possible yet to reduce indoor radon levels to the same as outdoor ones, it is possible to reduce the radon concentrations in most homes to 2 pCi/L or lower.

To learn more about radon testing and the health risks radon can pose, contact your local National Radon Defense affiliate. These expert contractors can provide you with the knowledge you need and, if necessary, radon mitigation in your home.