Sweet Memories
I have discovered that the root of my memories originate from my senses and feelings. I have a great memory for the most part, but I have never been able to remember things like which TV or radio station is which number, specific dates on which something occurred or phone numbers. These things don't mean anything to me. They are just numbers, and to my memory they are inconsequential.
On the other hand, I have noticed that it's the minute details of seemingly trivial happenings in my life that I recall with the most vivid description; all recollections from my senses. For instance, when I think of chocolate croissants, I think of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Yes, Santa Fe, not Paris. Specifically, I recall a French bakery in La Fonda hotel that my family visited when I was 13. I can tell you exactly where my family sat; I can hear the noise of the other patrons and the wooden chairs being scooted about, echoing off the ceramic tiles. I can taste the chocolate croissant. When I think of the beach I think Texas Gulf Coast, and I can feel the sand on my feet, the sun on my shoulders and the cold spray of the waves. I can taste and smell the salty air, and the constant roar of the waves beating on the sand lulls me into a dream. My memories of Rome usually start at a Gelato shop in Piazza Navona. Again, I know exactly where the shop was located. I can hear the sounds, taste the "Best Ice Cream in the World." I can recount every detail to you. And the list goes on and on.
I will admit many of my memories are connected with great food. And it's true, I can not only remember just about every fabulous food I have had, I can taste it, and know every detail surrounding the experience. I do remember other things besides food in detail. The memories of the births of my children are centered around how I felt about things; my emotions. Time had no meaning. It's the impression made on my senses that is recorded in my brain. I use my senses to collect all the details.
Undetected Presence
I rely on my senses not only for my memories, but also to keep my family safe; prepare meals; know when I need to change Darling 2's diaper or give the dogs a bath, but there are some subtleties I may not be able to perceive with my senses. I am talking about gases seeping into my home from the ground totally undetected, specifically radon.
Radon is a natural occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock in all parts of the United States. It is formed by the decay of uranium, which is a natural process. Areas of the country with high levels of uranium will have high levels of radon. Radon moves through the ground to the air above, and into buildings through foundation cracks, drains, other structural openings and well water. Once in the house, it can become trapped there. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can be identified only through proper testing.
Health Concerns
What's the big deal with an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas seeping into your home. Well, plenty. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. The higher the radon level indoors, the greater the amount you breathe. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue. Inhaling indoor air containing radon over a period of many years can increase your risk of getting lung cancer. Your chance of getting lung cancer from radon depends on how much radon is in your home and how much time you spend in your home. If you are a smoker or a former smoker, the risk of getting lung cancer from radon is even greater. There is also a higher risk for children that live in or spend a great amount of time in a home with high levels of radon.
Testing, Disclosure and Building Laws
While there are currently no federal laws or regulations controlling radon detection or testing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed standards and guidelines of what is considered dangerous levels. The average indoor radon level is 1.3 pCi/L, and the average outside radon level is 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA-established action level is 4 pCi/L or more. In September 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) lowered their action level to 2.7 pCi/L or more. The WHO actions do not supersede or otherwise affect the EPA's guidance concerning radon in the U.S.
Although there are no laws that require a homeowner to conduct testing or remediate any radon found in one's home, a number of states do mandate a seller of a home to disclose to a buyer that radon is or has been present in the home based on prior testing. Even so, high levels of radon in a home can cause problems when trying to sell, transfer or finance the property, and could expose a property owner to resident complaints and uninhabitablity claims. There are a few states that now have laws calling for radon resistant building techniques and materials in newly constructed residential and commercial properties. And a handful of states also require schools and/or daycare facilities to conduct radon tests and conform to the EPA-established levels.
Table of State Laws by Topic
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Seller Required to Disclose Presence of Radon |
Schools/Daycare Facilities Required to Conduct Tests |
Radon Resistant Building Code |
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AK |
CO |
FL |
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CA |
CT |
ME |
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CO |
FL |
MI |
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CT |
ID |
MN |
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DE |
IL |
RI |
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DC |
IA |
WA |
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FL |
MD |
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IL |
MI |
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IN |
MN |
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IA |
NJ |
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KS |
NY |
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KY |
RI |
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ME |
VA |
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MD |
WV |
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MI |
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MS |
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MT |
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NE |
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NH |
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NY |
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NC |
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OH |
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OK |
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OR |
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PA |
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RI |
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SC |
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SD |
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TN |
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TX |
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WA |
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WI |
For the specific laws and language of these state laws, go to http://www.elistore.org/Data/products/iaq_radon_database-2010.pdf.
The Scoop
Don't go running from your house just yet. There is something you as a homeowner can do. You can get your home tested for radon to determine if there is an issue. If there are high levels of radon in your home there are products that can reduce the amount to a tolerable level, based on EPA standards. On Wednesday, I will provide valuable tips and websites regarding testing, ways to fix the problem and areas of the country that are more apt to have high levels of radon. Over and out…
Anna
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