National Radon Action Month and Testing Homes and Buildings in Puerto Rico

Data from the United States Geological Survey suggests some areas of Puerto Rico have the potential for high radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in underlying soil, rock, and groundwater.

Radon gets into the air people breathe as it makes its way up from the ground and accumulates indoors. In some instances, radon can even enter a structure through well water. There are also some building materials, such as granite, that can release low levels of radon indoors.

Being exposed to radon over time can lead to lung cancer. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in this country, responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Since people cannot see, smell, or taste radon, testing for it is the only option.

“Both the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend testing homes, schools, and businesses for radon,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “To increase the public’s awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices, each January is designated as National Radon Action Month.”

These testing recommendations are important as the EPA estimates nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in this country has an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). To help in this effort, Zimmetry Environmental has a licensed radon inspector in Puerto Rico to test indoor conditions in all types of homes and buildings. If elevated levels are detected, there are mitigation techniques that can be implemented to address any exposure concerns.

Several years ago, Zimmetry sponsored an educational video about National Radon Action Month that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/SAOP0zz6yjo

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their radon, indoor air quality, environmental, 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

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