"JUST THE FACTS"

   

A Newsletter for the Real Estate Professional Provided by Justice Property Inspections

June 27, 2005

IN THIS ISSUE

 U.S. Surgeon General on Radon

World Health Organization recognizes Radon risk

Federal Housing Commissioner on Radon

 Justice Property Inspections certified for Radon Measurements

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     Americans Urged to Test for Radon

TheU.S. Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, Issues New National Health Advisory on Radon

On January 13, 2005 the Surgeon General of the United States issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. The Nation’s Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. Dr. Carmona also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more. Dr. Carmona noted that more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year.

            Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas, with no immediate health symptoms, that comes from the breakdown of uranium inside the earth. Simple test kits can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, one in every 15 homes nationwide have a high radon level at or above the recommended radon action level of 4 picoCuries (pCi/L) per liter of air.

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International Effort to Reduce Radon Risk

 

World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes radon as serious health risk

(06/24/05) Recognizing indoor radon as a significant cause of lung cancer around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with EPA and participating countries, is launching and organizing an International Radon Project aimed at helping countries reduce the health risks associated with indoor radon. The approach will focus on increasing public awareness about this invisible health threat and what can be done to reduce the risk. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the World Health Organization estimates that radon could cause up to 15 percent of lung cancers globally. EPA will participate in workgroups and contribute $120,000. This international effort will complement the nationwide radon program run by EPA in the United States . For additional information on the initiative, visit: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2005/np15/en/index.html, or for general information about radon, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon

 


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Federal Housing Commissioner takes action on Radon

On May 28, 2004, Dr. John C. Weicher, the Federal Housing Commissioner issued a radon gas and mold Notice (H 2004-08) requiring that a release agreement (HUD-9548-E) be included in all sales contracts for HUD-acquired single family properties. The agreement notifies purchasers of the potential health problems caused by exposure to radon and some molds. Required use of the agreement expires on May 31st 2005. In fiscal year 2004 HUD sold about 78,000 Real Estate Owned (REO) single-family properties.

View the Commissioner’s Notice (H-2004-08)  and download the release agreement (HUD-9548-E - a MS Word file) at www.hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/cgi/pdfforms/9548-e.doc

In a January 22, 2004 letter, Dr. John C. Weicher, the Federal Housing Commissioner at HUD informed Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgagees that its home inspection form (HUD 92564-CN) had been revised. The new form now includes information on radon in indoor air which reiterates the EPA and U.S. Surgeon General testing recommendation and refers readers to EPA’s 1-800-SOS-Radon hotline. The form is mandatory for all FHA insured mortgages. Homebuyers must sign the form before/at the time a sales contract is executed.  In fiscal 2003 HUD issued about 1.3 million FHA insured loans. 

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National Radon Proficiency Program

Individuals holding the Residential Measurement Provider certification have demonstrated knowledge of U.S. EPA radon measurement protocols for the placement and retrieval of radon measurement devices. They have also demonstrated knowledge of the proper interpretation of results obtained in residential settings.

These individuals are authorized to place devices that are analyzed by a NEHA certified analytical laboratory. Depending upon the location of the laboratory where the devices are to be analyzed, and specific shipping arrangements that have been established, results are not generally available immediately upon conclusion of the radon test. http://www.radongas.org/measurement/OR.html

 

Justice Property Inspections

has become Certified with NRPP in order to provide professional Radon Measurement services.

We use a "Continuous Radon Monitor" which provides test results in 48 hours with out the need of sending off for Lab results.

Please call us at 1-888-414-4107 with any questions you might have. We can also provide one hour CE classes concerning Radon in residential homes.

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Justice Property Inspections
68890 Nicolai Rd
Rainier, OR  97048
Phone: 1-888-414-4107
Fax: 503-556-8319

Justice Property InspectionsEnvironmental Protection Agency