EPA Announces Radon Mapping Project in Puerto Rico and Local Company Provides Residents with Resources during National Radon Action Month

Last November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an innovative research project to increase radon monitoring capacity in Puerto Rico. The project will advance community mapping of radon across the islands and will help inform planning decisions, including incorporation of radon-reducing features in building practices as part of the ongoing disaster recovery and rebuild effort.
 
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas found in underlying soil, rock and groundwater. Radon can seep through openings in floors or walls and build up in the indoor air of homes, schools and office buildings, potentially posing a serious health hazard. In some instances, radon can even enter a building through well water.
 
In the past, the U.S. Geological Survey has reported that several areas in Puerto Rico have the geologic potential to generate locally high indoor radon levels if housing conditions are favorable for its entry and accumulation. The EPA acknowledged in their announcement of the new research project that the extent of radon in Puerto Rico is not currently well-defined, which limits the ability for local governments to implement programs that would reduce radon risks. 
 
“The EPA’s new project is great news for those living in Puerto Rico,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Nationwide, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year, only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Having a better understanding of potential radon hotspots from the EPA’s research could save many lives in Puerto Rico.”
 
For those concerned about exposure to radon in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, Zimmetry Environmental has a licensed radon inspector that can test the indoor air or water from private wells for its presence. If issues are found, there are mitigation techniques to prevent elevated radon levels from accumulating in a property or to remove radon from well water before it enters a building. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about National Radon Action Month which takes place this month, it can be seen at: https://youtu.be/SAOP0zz6yjo
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their radon, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, occupational, and compliance consulting and testing services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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