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Madison County Developers Were Notified About Radon Risk
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Added: 08/18/2004
Type: Summary
Viewed: 967 time(s)
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Madison County Developers Were Notified About Radon Risk
August 10, 2004 -- Between 2001-2003, the Alabama Department of Public Health repeatedly sent written notification to the builders and developers of Madison County, AL alerting them that homes to be constructed in their new subdivisions had a high likelihood of radon contamination unless radon-resistant construction measures were implemented.
According to a review of public records by the American Radon Policy Coalition (ARPC), the Health Department’s Office of Radiation Control sent notices to at least 34 different development and construction companies warning of potential radon contamination in 56 new subdivisions. Some builders were sent up to five separate notices regarding different developments within the county.
The notices state that as many as one in three homes constructed in certain subdivisions have a likelihood of containing dangerous levels of indoor radon gas according to zip code statistics gathered by the Department. Although the county did not require the implementation of radon prevention construction techniques, the Office of Radiation Control encouraged the builders to create a “radon-resistant new construction subdivision” for the safety of the residents. The notices also point out that it is considerably less expensive (less than $500) to incorporate prevention measures during construction than it is to install a radon mitigation of an existing home ($1500-$2500).
Recently revised risk assessments from the U.S. EPA estimate 21,000 Americans die of radon-induced lung cancer annually, 50% higher than their 1994 estimate. Because radon is a known human carcinogen and homes with dangerous levels can be found almost anywhere, the EPA recommends all homebuyers test for radon prior to purchase.
Alabama has 15 counties that have been identified as having high potential for excessive indoor radon. Madison and Colbert are two counties where elevated indoor radon occurs most frequently.
“Unfortunately,” says David Hill, President of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, “in order to prevent a perceived hurdle to closing the deal, many real estate agents and homebuilders fail to disclose the EPA recommendation to test for radon”
“The truth is radon mitigation systems are easily and inexpensively installed and not only prevent radon from entering the home, but prevent the entry of moist soil air that may contribute to musty odors and the growth of mold.” says Dallas Jones, ARPC Chairman.
According to the Department, a few builders in Madsison County are now voluntarily installing radon-resistant construction features in their homes, but point out the houses still need to be tested to determine their effectiveness.
Below is a list of subdivisions whose developers were notified prior to July 12, 2003 that the subdivsion was in an area of high potential for a radon problem. Residents of these subdivisions should test their homes and may need to contact their builders to determine if any measures were ever taken to prevent their exposure to dangerous levels of radon. (A Department spokesperson indicated more recent notices would be available upon request.)
When contacted, a representative of the Madison County Extension Service said they are selling do-it-yourself radon test kits for only $5. To order call(256) 532-1578. Home purchasers are encouraged by the EPA to hire the services of a professional who is certified to perform radon testing by the National Environmental Health Association or the National Radon Safety Board.
Subdivision Zip Code
Bridges on the River 35811
Town of Cambridge 35756
Edenshire 35811
Village of Providence 35806
Shadow Brook 35749
Potter’s Hill 35758
Magnolia Springs 35749
Rolling Meadows 35756
Charleston Square 35757
Fieldstone 35749
Bridgefield 35758
Stanley Estates 35816
Overland Trace 35806
Heritage Province 35756
Twickenham Heights 35801
Tanner Ridge 35761
Colinwood Estates 35758
St. Charles Place 35758
Shadow Creek 35756
Colinwood 35758
Creekwood 35758
Berry Hill Estates 35811
Liberty Square 35758
Saddleback Ridge 35758
Stone Hill Estates 35811
Quarter Mountain Estates 35758
Indian Creek 35806
Taylor’s Crossing 35756
Jaquelynn Downs 35758
Overlook Trace 35803
Eagle’s Ridge Estates 35802
Tiffany Pointe 35811
Mt Carmel by the River 35811
Clift’s Cove 35758
Heritage Plantation 35758
Heritage Provence 35758
Heritage Station 35758
Morovia Meadows Estates 35759
Chase Shadow 35759
Hidden Lake 35759 35763
River Walk 35761
Darylewood Estates 35811
Lexington 35758
Greenlawn Plantation 35759
Georgetown Square 35758
Buckingham 35758
Buckhead Run 35811
Cedar Springs Station 35758
Chapman Cove 35811
Walden 35758
Flint River Downs 35761
Forest Pointe 35758
Jacobs Cove 35806
Greystone 35806
Ashley Green 35758
Deer Creek in HNM 35761
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