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Nebraska Senator Pushes for Radon Resistant Construction
Nebraska State Senator Bob Krist says the state needs to get serious about the problem of radon in our homes. The odorless, colorless gas is the second-leading cause of cancer in Nebraskans, behind only tobacco. Krist has introduced a bill (LB 13), which would require all new home construction to be radon-resistant, starting on January 1st of 2015. (play audio :10)
Krist says Nebraska has the third-highest emission of radon gas in the country because of the concentration of uranium in the soil. The gas is created through decay of the element. A task force would be formed, under the measure, to map ideas on how to go forward.
Radon contractors are licensed by the state. Curtis Drew is president and owner of National Radon Defense, a testing and mitigation firm in Omaha that's been around for 35 years. (play audio :18)
Drew says Minnesota has had radon-resistant construction for three years and Illinois just passed similar legislation. He says it's important to have specific standards for such construction.
Homes in southeast Nebraska regularly test well above what is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to be the safe level of radon.
© Nebraska Radio Network
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