Albuquerque Air: Is Radon Gas Blocking Liver Youth?
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine stepping into your Albuquerque home, a sanctuary from the desert sun, unknowingly inhaling an invisible threat. It’s not a ghost story, but a real concern: radon. This radioactive gas, seeping up from the earth, can accumulate in homes and, shockingly, impact your liver health. Let’s cut through the confusion and get you equipped to protect yourself and your family, especially if you’re a senior citizen living in the Duke City.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s everywhere, but the problem arises when it concentrates inside buildings, particularly in basements and ground floors. Albuquerque, with its unique geological makeup, isn’t immune.
The primary health risk associated with radon is lung cancer. However, emerging research suggests a potential link between radon exposure and liver damage. While the lung cancer risk is well-established, the liver connection is still being investigated, but it’s a concern worth considering, especially for those with pre-existing liver conditions. Radon’s radioactive particles, when inhaled, can cause cellular damage throughout the body, and the liver, as a major detoxification organ, could be affected.
So, how do you know if your Albuquerque home has a radon problem? Testing is the only way. You have two main options: DIY kits and professional testing.
DIY radon test kits are readily available at hardware stores like Lowe’s on Coors Boulevard or online retailers. These kits typically involve placing a passive detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home for a specified period (usually 2-7 days) and then sending it to a lab for analysis. They’re relatively inexpensive, often costing between $25 and $50.
Professional radon testing, on the other hand, involves hiring a certified radon measurement professional. They use specialized equipment to conduct more accurate and comprehensive testing, often including continuous monitoring over a longer period. This option is more expensive, typically ranging from $150 to $300, but it provides a more reliable assessment, especially if you have a complex home layout or suspect high radon levels.
For Albuquerque residents, especially seniors, professional testing might be the better option. They can ensure proper placement of detectors and provide expert interpretation of the results.
Once you’ve tested, you’ll receive a report with your radon level, measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are at or above 4 pCi/L. Even levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L warrant consideration of mitigation.
Interpreting these results can be tricky. A reading of 4.1 pCi/L doesn’t mean you’re doomed, but it does mean you need to take action. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either.
If your radon levels are elevated, mitigation is necessary. Radon mitigation systems typically involve installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and exhaust it safely outside. The cost of mitigation can vary depending on the complexity of your home and the chosen mitigation method, but it generally ranges from $800 to $2500.
Several reputable radon mitigation companies serve the Albuquerque area. Companies like “Radon Solutions of New Mexico” and “Albuquerque Radon Defense” are local options with good reputations. Always check for certification and licensing before hiring a mitigation contractor. The New Mexico Environment Department can provide a list of certified professionals.
One common mistake Albuquerque homeowners make is neglecting to test their homes, assuming that because their neighbors don’t have a problem, they won’t either. Radon levels can vary significantly from house to house, even within the same neighborhood. Another pitfall is attempting DIY mitigation without proper knowledge or equipment. This can be ineffective and even dangerous.
For aging individuals in Albuquerque, the risks associated with radon exposure can be particularly concerning. Seniors are often more susceptible to health problems, and the cumulative effects of radon exposure over time can increase their risk of lung cancer and potentially impact their liver health.
The New Mexico Department of Health offers resources and information about radon testing and mitigation. They also have programs that may provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners for radon mitigation. Contacting them directly is a great first step.
Consider this scenario: Maria, a 75-year-old resident of Albuquerque’s North Valley, lived in her home for over 40 years. She never considered radon testing until a neighbor was diagnosed with lung cancer. Concerned, she purchased a DIY test kit and discovered her radon levels were above 6 pCi/L. Maria contacted “Radon Solutions of New Mexico,” who installed a mitigation system. While the cost was a concern, Maria felt relieved knowing she was protecting her health and her home.
Another example: John, a younger homeowner in the Nob Hill area, decided to test his home after learning about the potential link between radon and liver health. His results came back at 3.5 pCi/L. While below the EPA’s action level, he decided to install a passive mitigation system to further reduce his exposure.
Don’t wait. Take control of your indoor air quality and protect your health. Test your Albuquerque home for radon, understand the results, and take action if necessary. Your liver, and your lungs, will thank you.