National Radon Action Month in Puerto Rico and Identifying Exposure Risks in Homes, Schools and Other Buildings

January has been designated National Radon Action Month in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the United States by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that has been found in homes and buildings in Puerto Rico and in many other places throughout the Caribbean. In fact, EPA reports that United States Geological Survey (USGS) data suggest that some areas in Puerto Rico have the potential for high radon levels.
 
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can get into the indoor air people breathe as it makes its way up from the ground and accumulates in homes, schools and other buildings. Radon can even enter a building through well water in some circumstances.
 
“Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers and claims the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Throughout the United States, EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes has an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). The only way to know if it’s an issue is to test for it. This is why both the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA urge all of us to protect our health by testing our homes, schools and other buildings.”
 
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 an issue is found, there are mitigation techniques that can be employed to prevent radon from accumulating in a property or to remove it from well water before it ever enters a building.
 
Zimmetry has also sponsored an educational video about National Radon Action Month that 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.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail