Air Quality Notifications

• February 3 - February 7, 2012.
• December 7 - December 20, 2011.
  

Spokane Tribal Radon Activities

Major national and international scientific organizations, including the U.S. EPA have concluded that radon is a human carcinogen and a serious environmental health problem.  Based on the high radon potential of the Spokane Indian Reservation, the previous tests conducted on the Reservation, and the health risks to residents, developing a radon testing program has been one of the primary objectives in the past year. 

Twa-le Abrahamson, the Air Quality Coordinator, has completed training and obtained certification from the National Environmental Health Association in both radon measurement and radon mitigation.  Currently, efforts are being focused on purchasing equipment that will allow us to test and get results immediately without having to rely on outside lab services.  This will allow our program to conduct testing, and recommend mitigations for homes and offices that have elevated radon levels.  It is a priority, because the health of our community is at stake.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second to smoking cigarettes.  It is completely preventable and can be detected with simple tests and fixed for around $1,500 or less per home. 

A radon mitigation training is planned for Tribal construction and maintenance staff and others who are interested.  This will allow us to reduce overhead expenses and utilize our own Tribal programs and staff to do the work without relying on outside contractors, maximizing our limited resources.  The training will be hands-on, performing mitigation on a home with elevated levels. 

Future efforts will also include assisting in the process of developing a Tribal Building Construction Code that requires all homes and occupied buildings use radon resistant building techniques.  Washington State adopted radon control standards 20 years ago and does require radon control standards in five counties with high radon potential including Stevens and Spokane County. 

There is lots of information online and you can come into the office, call or email if you have any questions about radon and radon testing or are interested in participating in the radon mitigation training.  The Spokane Tribal Air Quality Program was also featured on a national radio show: “Radon and Indoor Air Quality in Indian Country” on Native America Calling earlier this month.  If you’d like to listen to a recording, you can hear it on www.nativeamericacalling.com.