In August of this year, a congregant had testing for Radon completed in the basement of the church. It was found to have a Radon level of 5.4 pCi/L. Subsequent testing found 3.6 pCi/L. Remediation is generally advised if the long-term level is above 4.0 pCi/L in homes. Tish Kashdan, Vice President, called the Radon Hotline with our radon numbers and the exposure times. They suggested we do a long exposure test but that since the exposure duration is short and Radon levels are relatively low, exposure is not great enough to be a problem.
The Board established a committee to study this issue comprised of Doug Chaffin, Tish Kashdan, Greg Kramer and our new Insurance Manager, Dave Kashdan.
With an abundance of caution, we are currently in the process of completing the long exposure test which could take three months. The Nursery is on an independent ventilation system which does not directly affect the rest of the church. As noted with the Radon Hotline, because the Radon levels are relatively low and exposure durations are minimal, it is expected that there is no harm.
If you have any questions, please contact our Facilities Trustee, Doug Chaffin.
Some general background on radon:
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that continuously escapes from the ground. Buildings built on the ground tend to accumulate radon within the structure. The average structure in Sullivan, Johnson, Washington and Hawkins counties has a reading of 4.0. The EPA recommends remediation in homes (where exposure times are typically 12 hours per day, every day) when the value is above 4.0.
An analysis by David Kashdan indicates:
· The average person residing at home in an un-remediated house in Sullivan, Johnson, Washington or Hawkins counties experiences no increase in radon exposure by attending HVUUC.
· A person living in a fully remediated house with a radon level of 2.0 pCi/L (the lowest level generally attainable), using the HVUUC Nursery for 3 hours every week would increase their radon exposure by less than 2%.