Radon Is Real
Maine has one of the highest levels of cancer in the nation, why is not known. But what is known is that radon gas is the number one cause of cancer for non-smokers in the United States. Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can't see it or taste it. It's a silent killer.
A new bill was passed in Augusta last September that went unnoticed by apartment owners associations and real estate lobbyist in this State. The new law was LD 943, An Act To Reduce Lung Cancer Rates in Maine, was signed by Governor Baldacci on June 8. This new law, which requires radon testing in all residential rental properties by the year 2012, will take effect 90 days following adjournment of the 124th Legislature, First Regular Session.
In brief this new law (effective September 12, 2009) requires that by the year 2012 all rented or leased residential structures be tested for radon in air. The testing must be done by a State of Maine registered radon testing contractor. Test results of 4 pCi/L or higher must be mitigated by a State of Maine registered mitigation contractor.
Ron Rodrigue of Elm-City Home Inspections of Oakland, Maine a Certified State of Maine registered radon tester, say's that the new law will have a very large impact on the real estate industry in the coming years ahead. According the radon@maine.gov site, there are over 268,000 apartment units in Maine and just a little over 60 registered radon testers in Maine,
The new law is just a start. It does not go far enough. It does not address radon gas in single family homes in this State. Radon is a problem, not just for the people in apartments or rented residential buildings. Getting cancer from radon is just a drop in the bucket - that is until it is your bucket. To learn more about radon go to radon@maine.gov or www.MaineHomeInspections.net
Ron Rodrigue
Certified Field Inspector
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