Finding fresh air.
North Alabama residents troubled by radon can protect themselves with a few steps

Printed: June 20, 2000; The Huntsville Times, editorial

Thanks to the 3,900 caves in northern Alabama, its residents are able to enjoy a wealth of natural beauty. But there is a downside: These caves also make us more vulnerable to lung cancer than other Alabamians.

Subterranean gases, including the noxious radon, a naturally occurring radioactive substance, easily seep to the surface because of the caves. That means that radon often finds its way into north Alabama homes.

And once it gets in, it's difficult to get out.

Difficult, but not impossible. And ensuring that radon, if present, is eradicated from our homes is something that all North Alabamians should take seriously.

The odorless, tasteless, invisible gas has been linked to lung cancer when inhaled repeatedly in high concentrations. The Environmental Protection Agency is predicting that 2,000 north Alabama residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer next year. And 200 of those cases will have been caused by radon.

The radon problem is especially bad in Madison County. According to the Madison County Extension Office, of some 287 radon tests performed between 1997 and 1999, nearly half indicated dangerous levels of the gas. Some houses on Monte Sano registered especially high amounts of radon.

In Jefferson and Shelby counties, not even 20 percent of their tests showed comparable levels.

Experts say that the solutions are simple. First, buy the inexpensive radon test from the Extension Office or a home improvement store. (The test should cost under $13.)

Then, if dangerous levels of the gas are found, modify your home. That means either caulking any cracks through which the gas can seep or creating a simple vacuum with a plastic pipe and a fan.

Finally, regardless of whether radon is found in dangerous amounts, it's probably wise to simply get out of the house more. Fresh air not only does wonders for the respiratory system, it negates the effects of radon. Once it hits the air, radon dissipates.