News Release
March 20, 2003
Greene
County Combined Health District
Announces Xenia High School Honors Chemistry Class
Winners of the Radon Challenge
(Xenia,
Ohio) Greene County Combined Health District announced that Mr. Bill
Richey’s 4th period Honors Chemistry class at Xenia High School
were the winners of the Radon Challenge.
The Radon Challenge, a pilot project sponsored by the Greene
County Combined Health District and the Ohio Department of Health, was initiated
to educate students about radon and to increase the number of Greene County
homes tested for radon.
During January, National Radon Action Month, Xenia High
School students participated in the Radon Challenge. Students of Bill Richey’s
4th period honors chemistry class had the highest percentage of
student participation. Students
were provided test kits to collect air samples from their homes, and
professional lab analyses by Air Chek provided the students with radon level
results. Mr. Richey stated,
“The study has been interesting. Several
people found results of 27, 26 and 25 (picocuries).” The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has determined that lengthy exposure to readings of 4
picocuries per liter of air or more pose a level of risk for contracting lung
cancer. Participation had its
rewards. The students enjoyed a pizza party.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, tasteless, invisible, radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of radium in the soil. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, through unsealed sumps, construction joints and openings around drains and pipes. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and in Greene County approximately half the homes have levels of radon at or above the “action level” set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It is recommended that homes with levels of radon at or above 4 picouries per liter of air be corrected by a licensed mitigation specialist.
Greene County Combined Health District provides free test
kits and all residents are encouraged to get one. Test kits are available at 360
Wilson Drive, Xenia, Ohio, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more
information about Radon and Radon Testing, contact Greene County Combined Health
District, Margaret Burns, Health Educator, (937) 374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.
Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 70 years.