By Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer on January 21, 2013
It can seem daunting trying to protect your home from all the dangers that can imperil your family’s wellbeing. One thing that often goes overlooked in many homes is the presence of devices that can test for radon.
Consumer Reports and the Environmental Protection Agency are warning people of the importance of purchasing radon detection systems and fixing issues if a threat is detected. Authorities estimate that one out of every 15 residences has been compromised by the presence of this dangerous radioactive gas, leading to around 21,000 fatalities from lung cancer every single year.
Many people probably have a vague understanding of radon. Most soil contains trace amounts of uranium, and when that substance decays, radon is formed. It travels into the foundation of a home via holes and cracks, accumulating over time and endangering persons inside who are exposed to the gas.
Luckily, radon testing kits are available, and you should buy one at once if you haven’t tested your home in some time. Should danger become apparent, then it becomes imperative that you get in touch with the radon department of the California Department of Public Health. The organization can help you find a professional who’s qualified to handle the situation and limit the risk to your home and its occupants.
By Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer on October 17, 2011
Radon Awareness Week begins today, and will focus on the risks of radon and the devastating effects it has on those who are victim to it, according to recent news sources.
According the the website, radonweek.org, “Radon is naturally occurring, odorless and colorless gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Because radon is a gas, it can enter buildings through openings or cracks in the foundation. The radon gas itself decays into radioactive solids, called radon daughters. The radon daughters attach to dust particles in the air, and can be inhaled. The inhalation of radon daughters has been linked to lung cancer.”
The Awareness Week is sponsored by nine federal agencies who want to raise awareness and also make radon testing a requirement of real estate transactions. The groups also want to regularly test schools, daycares, and workplaces.
As a Los Angeles Personal Injury lawyer, I’m glad to see that this issue is being pursued. Radon causes 22,000 lung cancer deaths a year, and that is far too many. In my line of work as a product liability lawyer, I’ve seen that simple prevention can often help a family avoid tragedy. I recommend testing your home for radon regularly if you have not already done so.
