Radon_Reporter_March2020

THE RADON REPORTER | 15 Radon Escape Route Radon Escapes Fresh Air Introduced Fresh Air from Outside Radon Goes Outside Fresh Air Coming Inside And now for something completely different... The Dilution Solution Learn more about this unique radon solution at: fantech.net/radon The Cost of NOT Testing Amy Morris, AARST Membership Coordinator, Media Manager THE NUMBERS After learning that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends every home be tested for radon, one of the first questions a homeowner will have is, ‘How much does it cost to test?’ What if we reverse that mode of thinking and ask, ‘How much does it cost if I DON’T test?’ The price to test and evenmitigate isminuscule compared to the expense of treating lung cancer. Quantifying the cost of not testing is a challenge, but we can be certain it will far exceed the cost of testing if unknown radon levels cause illness. A recent National Cancer Institute article, “Financial Toxicity Associated With Cancer Care, " states “Cancer is one of the most costly medical conditions to treat in the United States. Prices higher than $10,000 a month for individual drugs and biologic agents are common.” Cancer costs do not stop with the astronomical price of medications. More recently compiled data reveal a financial loss profile that is staggering - lost wages, expenses for travel, childcare, long-term care, etc. AARST Government Affairs Committee Chair, Kyle Hoylman, suggests the current EPA risk estimates are outdated and understate the number of lives impacted, as well as the financial burden caused by radioactive radon gas. “The current risk estimates are based on the EPA’s 2003 document, Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes,” says Hoylman. “Our country has experienced tremendous growth over the past 17 years, and none of this data is reflected in the current risk estimates.” Using updated data available to the public through organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Census Bureau, Hoylman estimates the number of annual radon-induced lung cancer incidents exceeds 30,000, with direct and indirect medical costs topping $7.2 billion. Some homeowners may choose not to test despite the scientific facts and financial data. Others are completely blindsided, only to learn about radon after they become ill. Had they known from some source - a real estate agent, a homebuilder, a doctor, or an awareness law, perhaps they would have tested. Industry professionals must actively and without hesitation, be the ones getting the knowledge of radon risk- health and financial, to as many people as possible so they may make an informed decision about testing. PART TWO: THE INTERVIEW - see page 26