Madison County Developers Were Notified About Radon Risk

Between 2001-2003, the Alabama Department of Public Health repeatedly sent written notification to the builders and developers of Madison County, AL alerting them that homes to be constructed in their new subdivisions had a high likelihood of radon contamination unless radon-resistant construction measures were implemented.

(PRWEB) August 10, 2004 -- Between 2001-2003, the Alabama Department of Public Health repeatedly sent written notification to the builders and developers of Madison County, AL alerting them that homes to be constructed in their new subdivisions had a high likelihood of radon contamination unless radon-resistant construction measures were implemented.

According to a review of public records by the American Radon Policy Coalition (ARPC), the Health Departments Office of Radiation Control sent notices to at least 34 different development and construction companies warning of potential radon contamination in 56 new subdivisions. Some builders were sent up to five separate notices regarding different developments within the county.

The notices state that as many as one in three homes constructed in certain subdivisions have a likelihood of containing dangerous levels of indoor radon gas according to zip code statistics gathered by the Department. Although the county did not require the implementation of radon prevention construction techniques, the Office of Radiation Control encouraged the builders to create a radon-resistant new construction subdivision" for the safety of the residents. The notices also point out that it is considerably less expensive (less than $500) to incorporate prevention measures during construction than it is to install a radon mitigation of an existing home ($1500-$2500).

Recently revised risk assessments from the U.S. EPA estimate 21,000 Americans die of radon-induced lung cancer annually, 50% higher than their 1994 estimate. Because radon is a known human carcinogen and homes with dangerous levels can be found almost anywhere, the EPA recommends all homebuyers test for radon prior to purchase.

Alabama has 15 counties that have been identified as having high potential for excessive indoor radon. Madison and Colbert are two counties where elevated indoor radon occurs most frequently.

Unfortunately," says David Hill, President of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, in order to prevent a perceived hurdle to closing the deal, many real estate agents and homebuilders fail to disclose the EPA recommendation to test for radon"

The truth is radon mitigation systems are easily and inexpensively installed and not only prevent radon from entering the home, but prevent the entry of moist soil air that may contribute to musty odors and the growth of mold." says Dallas Jones, ARPC Chairman.

According to the Department, a few builders in Madsison County are now voluntarily installing radon-resistant construction features in their homes, but point out the houses still need to be tested to determine their effectiveness.

Below is a list of subdivisions whose developers were notified prior to July 12, 2003 that the subdivsion was in an area of high potential for a radon problem. Residents of these subdivisions should test their homes and may need to contact their builders to determine if any measures were ever taken to prevent their exposure to dangerous levels of radon. (A Department spokesperson indicated more recent notices would be available upon request.)

When contacted, a representative of the Madison County Extension Service said they are selling do-it-yourself radon test kits for only $5. To order call(256) 532-1578. Home purchasers are encouraged by the EPA to hire the services of a professional who is certified to perform radon testing by the National Environmental Health Association or the National Radon Safety Board.

Subdivision     Zip Code

Bridges on the River     35811

Town of Cambridge      35756

Edenshire      35811

Village of Providence      35806

Shadow Brook      35749

Potters Hill      35758

Magnolia Springs      35749

Rolling Meadows      35756

Charleston Square      35757

Fieldstone      35749

Bridgefield      35758

Stanley Estates      35816

Overland Trace      35806

Heritage Province     35756

Twickenham Heights      35801

Tanner Ridge      35761

Colinwood Estates     35758

St. Charles Place      35758

Shadow Creek      35756

Colinwood      35758

Creekwood      35758

Berry Hill Estates     35811

Liberty Square      35758

Saddleback Ridge      35758

Stone Hill Estates     35811

Quarter Mountain Estates 35758

Indian Creek      35806

Taylors Crossing     35756

Jaquelynn Downs      35758

Overlook Trace      35803

Eagles Ridge Estates     35802

Tiffany Pointe      35811

Mt Carmel by the River     35811

Clifts Cove 35758

Heritage Plantation 35758

Heritage Provence 35758

Heritage Station 35758

Morovia Meadows Estates     35759

Chase Shadow      35759

Hidden Lake      35759 35763

River Walk      35761

Darylewood Estates      35811

Lexington      35758

Greenlawn Plantation     35759

Georgetown Square      35758

Buckingham      35758

Buckhead Run      35811

Cedar Springs Station     35758

Chapman Cove      35811

Walden      35758

Flint River Downs     35761

Forest Pointe     35758

Jacobs Cove     35806

Greystone     35806

Ashley Green     35758

Deer Creek in HNM 35761

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