Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
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
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
State Board approves land transfer agreements
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
LATEST STORIES
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
HCC hires new vice president of finance and operations
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival coming in June
NW MO bridge repair project delayed
RELATED STORIES
USDA Boss Blasts Railroads for Rail Car Shortage
More Storms Possible this Weekend
Red Cross says Learn to Swim Before Heading to Pool or Lake
Morel Mushroom Season Underway in Nebraska
Nebraska Among States Considering Legalizing Industrial Hemp
Fewer Cancer Specialists Practicing in Rural Areas
Ex-Worker in Beatrice Abuse Case Gets Prison Time
Study Shows Drop in Nebraska Groundwater Levels
Hiawatha, Ks 66434