A letter by Linda D’Agostino of Conestoga published in the Sunday News relates “I moved to Lancaster in June 2000 from Long Island and purchased a home in Holtwood. I sold the house six years later and came to find I was living in a home with a level of radon that was 87 when it should have been below 4. Four months later, I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.”
Much of Central Pennsylvania and adjoining states experience higher radon levels than the rest of the nation. While we would not be concerned with readings of less than 8, despite federal recommendations for remediation at a lower level, 87 is clearly horrendous!
We join with Ms. D’Agostino in recommending that the living area of every home be tested for radon. As she points out, a kit can be obtained for around $16 from Home Depot or Lowe’s. It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions.
