Radon levels and cancer

Mon., June 19, 2017

Shawn Vestal’s excellent June 7 article concerning Spokane’s cancer rates and causes was very informative and valuable. One potential cause of cancer, however, received little if any mention - that being the levels of radon in the Spokane area.

Out of curiosity, I checked the radon level in our home. The maximum EPA level for radon is specified as 4 picocuries per liter. The home in which we have breathed the air for 25-years measured 29.7 pCi/L. Although better late than never, we had a radon mitigation system installed. Our home’s level is now 0.4 pCi/L.

As Mr. Vestal points out, cancer rates vary by neighborhood. It’s interesting to note that radon levels follow the very same pattern. Perhaps it should be pointed out in a follow-up article that to prevent possible cancers, individual homes’ radon levels should be measured and reduced if necessary.

Don Graham

Spokane

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