BCAT News

The Burlington Board of Health, with sponsorship from Beth Israel Lahey Health, is hosting their annual Burlington Community Health Fair on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Burlington High School. There will be over 60 exhibitors promoting healthy living across all stages of life through education, health screenings, and activities.

The Burlington Board of Health will be presenting information on radon which will include a free raffle for a home radon testing kits. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that forms when metals such as uranium, thorium, and radium break down in soil, rock, and water. As radon forms, it moves through porous soils toward the ground surface and can enter homes and buildings through openings in floors, foundations, and walls. Residents are encouraged to test their homes for radon and
learn about the health risks associated with exposure.

Radon breaks down into tiny solid particles, that when inhaled, enter the lungs. As the particles continue to break down, they release small bursts of energy that damage lung tissue that increase the risk of developing lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States (U.S.) each year are linked to radon.

EPA has identified three radon zones with Zone 1 having the highest predicted screening levels (>4(pCi/L). They estimate approximately 650,000 homes in Massachusetts are designated as Zone 1. Zone designations are based on five factors: indoor radon measurements, geology, aerial radioactivity, soil parameters, and foundation types. EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon every two years regardless of their Zone designation. The best time to conduct radon testing is during the winter months, when homes are more tightly sealed and ventilation is reduced. If testing reveals that a home is above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a mitigation system. If the level of radon is between 2 and 4 pCi/L then a mitigation system should be considered.

Radon can also enter homes through well water. Public water supplies are required to test for radium, a radioactive metal that decays into radon gas. However, for those who have private drinking water wells, testing for radium is recommended. All are welcome Burlington Community Health Fair on April 25 for more information and free raffles on this and many more important health topics.