Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: What is it?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA or Staph infection, is a bacterium which lives atop the superficial layers of human skin and is generally harmless on its own. However, it can potentially become a problem if it gets into the deeper layers the skin via an open cut, abrasion, or wound because deep MRSA infections are not easily treated (Wash). If not treated, it can reach into the organs which can in turn become infected, causing serious complications. MRSA is highly contagious and can be spread easily by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, as well as through contact with an object that an infected person has had contact with. There are two types of MRSA infection, one which affects those living or working in a health care facility, called health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). Health professionals are likely to come into contact with MRSA if they work in hospitals, nursing homes, other dialysis centers, or anywhere they could be exposed to a patient’s open wounds. The other type of MRSA is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), which can be spread among those living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, those participating in contact sports, or men who have sex with men. Even sanitary environments such as daycare centers, dormitories, and classrooms, among others; CA-MRSA cases account for 14% of reported MRSA cases (CDC). Being in close quarters with others is one of the most common ways Staph infections occur, because even the slightest brush with an infected person can be the beginning of a new case, especially in someone with a weak immune system (Dermnetz).

MRSA causes a wide range of symptoms in infected persons; symptoms may vary by the stage of the infection. Usually a Staph infection begins resembling small spider bits covering the infected area. They may become inflamed, red, and very uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for these pustules to become painful and secrete drainage like pus. If not treated they will turn into deep abscesses; this happens when the bacteria burrow inside the body, beneath the shallow layers of the skin. These deep infections can adversely affect the bloodstream, lungs, heart valves, bones, and joints, which can be potentially fatal. The lungs are particularly susceptible, meaning Pneumonia is another serious complication of an untreated, long-term MRSA infection. Visible signs and symptoms commonly start on areas of the skin which have been scarred, bruised, or cut, or sometimes areas which are covered by hair. Symptoms will vary depending on the type and stage of an infection, as well as which setting it takes place in (CDC).

MRSA is the result of years of overuse of antibiotics, due to lack of treatment knowledge. Its strong resistance can be attributed to the mec gene of the bacterium, a penicillin-binding protein. The gene inhibits the ability of the methicillin to bind to the cell, resulting in a futile effort to cure it. Unfortunately, MRSA has recently been referred to as “multiple resistant S. aureus”, because it is becoming defiant to more and more drugs(CDC. A Staph infection can be diagnosed by testing a tissue sample from an infected area, and check it for the drug-resistant bacteria. It is placed in a Petri dish and saturated with nutrients which bring about bacteria within 48 hours. There is no at-home cure for MRSA, any attempt could worsen the infection, and potentially spread it to others. In the case of a superficial abscess a physician will drain it instead of treat it with drugs. MRSA is not easily treated with antibiotics due to its increasing resistant nature, but few options are available including a limited number of antibiotics and creams.

Prevention is the best medicine, and preventing a Staph infection is very simple. In order to nip it in the bud, those persons who are most likely to be in contact with the bacteria should wash their hands often and thoroughly, keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered until they are healed, and avoid sharing personal hygiene items such as towels, razors, or soap with roommates or coworkers. In the case of someone who is already infected, a patient can prevent spreading their infection by covering the wounds, staying clean, keeping their surroundings clean, and keeping out of contact with others’ personal items.

References
“Antibiotic Resistance.” doh.wa.gov. 2010. Washington State Department of Health. 2 August 2010. http://www.doh.wa.gov/topics/antibiotics/mrsa.htm
“MRSA Infections.” cdc.gov. 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 9 August 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html
“Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.” Dermnetnz.org. 2010. DermNet New Zealand. 18 September 2010. http://dermnetnz.org/bacterial/methicillin-resistance.html

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Prevention and Intervention

When antibiotics were first discovered, one of their primary targets was the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Over the years, misuse of these medications has lead to strains of the bacteria that are resistant to medication, often referred to as “superbugs”. These resistant bacteria are called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Approximately one fourth of the population has colonies of these bacteria in their nose; however, less than 2% of these people carry MRSA. In fact, until recent years MRSA was primarily considered a hospital acquired infection and was very rarely seen in the community. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case and these community acquired infections have been increasing exponentially each year. As children ranging in age from infants to 18-years old are the most vulnerable population, this has become an issue of great concern in schools.

Fortunately, there are many simple steps that the faculty and students can take in order to prevent contraction and spread of this disease. The Centers for Disease Control sites factors referred to as the 5C’s that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted: crowding, contact, compromised skin, contaminated items and surfaces, and cleanliness. By targeting these factors within schools, prevention of MRSA is possible. As athletes, especially football players and wrestlers, have a significant amount of skin-to-skin contact and use of public equipment, they are at higher risk. Thus, it is important to implement prevention strategies and ensure that coaches and athletes are aware of them.

Such strategies include cleaning exercise equipment and sports equipment, such as wrestling mats, with detergent-based cleaners or disinfectants that the Environmental Protection Agency has recommended. Furthermore, all other frequently touched surfaces within schools should be cleaned with these products routinely. It is important that the directions on the label of the products be followed. Taking such steps will kill the bacteria that may be living on these surfaces, preventing transmission.

A seemingly obvious method of prevention is to encourage staff and students to practice good hygiene. Hand washing is a simple, but effective, tool at preventing many infectious diseases. It is important to encourage proper hand washing techniques, such as ensuring that they rub their hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Also, be sure to scrub the wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. Antibacterial soap is not necessary as studies have shown that it is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap. Athletes should also shower immediately after sporting events.

It is important to note that MRSA is not contracted by simply coming into contact with the bacteria; to cause an infection it must enter the skin. Thus, students must take appropriate precautions when they have cuts or abrasions. It is through these skin breaks that the bacteria can enter, so they must be covered with a clean dry bandage until healed. In particular, athletes should be certain to check for cuts or abrasions often, and to cover them accordingly before participating in sports. Finally, students with active MRSA infections may still attend school as long as their wounds can be sufficiently covered. However, these students should be prevented from participating in contact sports or activities.

Treatment of MRSA often includes drainage of the infection and/or prescription of antibiotics. If prescribed an antibiotic it is essential that all of the doses are taken. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including: oxacillin, penicillin, methicillin, and amoxicillin. The two primary antibiotics used in the treatment of these infections are vancomycin and linezolid. Unfortunately, there are even strains emerging that are resistant to those antibiotics. Therefore, much research is being conducted in search of an alternative to present remedies. One such alternative may be anti-pathogenic drugs. These do not kill the bacteria but block the activation of proteins essential for toxin release by the bacteria. Another promising discovery lies in the brains and nervous systems of cockroaches and locusts. Molecules from these tissues were shown to kill 90% of MRSA bacteria in a study at the University of Nottingham. Though these and other discoveries show potential in fighting antibiotic resistant bacteria, they are not yet available to the public. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals prescribed antibiotics wisely and that patients use them as directed.

References
“Definition of MRSA”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2010. 8 September 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/definition/index.html
“Do Cockroaches Hold the Key to MRSA Treatment?”. Food Consumer. August 2010. 8 September 2010. http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/2/other_diseases/do_cockroaches_hold_the_key_to_mrsa_tretretre_090820101153.html
“MRSA in Schools”. U.S. Department of Education. October 2007. 8 September 2010. http://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/mrsa.doc
“MRSA Overview for Schools: Methinillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus”. Department of Health and Senior Services. 10 September 2010. http://www.dhss.mo.gov/MRSA/MRSASchools.pdf
“Researcher Discovers New “Anti-Pathogenic” Drugs to Treat MRSA”. PhysOrg. September 2010. 16 September 2010. http://www.physorg.com/print/203871637.html
Rowson, Kevin.”Staph Infections Growing Exponentially in Children”. September 2010. 16 September 2010. http://www.11alive.com/cleanprint/?1284680888450
“Treatment of MRSA Infections”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2010. 8 September 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/treatment/index.html

The Do's of Hand Washing

Proper hand hygiene is really important to staying healthy because it is the best way to not share illnesses with others. Hands are our tools that we use regularly to perform daily tasks. Think about it-how many items in a day do you think you touch? Every door knob, handle or hand you shake... There could be over a thousand different surfaces or objects you touch in one day! This makes our hands more likely to carry and spread many different germs and viruses.
As flu season is quickly coming, you need to make sure that you stay extra safe and healthy during these winter months. Talk to your doctor about other healthy options like getting a flu shot. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) says that 20 seconds of hand washing is enough time to get rid of the invisible germs on your hands.
They also say that hand washing is simple and easy, and there are five important steps washing hands. The first step is getting your hands wet with clean running water and applying soap. Also, use warm water if it is available and the warmer the water, the cleaner your hands can be. Next, rub your hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces. Make sure to scrub in hard to reach places like under your nails, in between fingers and on your wrists. Following this, continue rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds. A good way to time your hand washing is by singing the “A-B-Cs”, “Happy Birthday” twice, or just counting to twenty! Then, rinse your hands under running water. Make sure to get rid of all of the soap. Finally, dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer and if possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet since germs might still be there.
A great way to imagine germs and the importance of hand washing is pretend your hands have paint on them. Pretend you stuck your hands into a tub of green paint and pull them out. The green paint on your hands would represent the germs on your hands. Now pretend you went through your day with wet, green paint on your hands! Every surface you touch with the wet paint would have your hand print on it. The germs, or paint, you left behind will most likely be touched by someone else. Now they would have the green paint on their hands! Also, you can pick up other germs on your hands by touching surfaces or objects. Since we cannot see germs with our naked eyes, it sometimes might be difficult to see those little vermin but they are there! Now try to imagine washing your hands clean from that paint. Not so easy! It seems as if paint lingers in certain areas on your hands, especially the little cracks between fingers and on your palms. They sure love to hide in those places we don’t always think to wash. The way we get sick is when we touch our faces, mouths and food with the germs on our hands.
There are certain times when you just need wash your hands throughout the day. These times are before you eat or cook, after using the restroom, after touching pets or playing and after sneezing or coughing. Using hand sanitizer is good idea when a sink is not available. So, it is a good idea to always keep hand sanitizer close by. But, sometimes hand sanitizers cannot clean your hands as well as soap and water. As far as the type of soap you should use when washing your hands, you can use whichever brand, color, scent or type of soap you like. As long as you are using soap, your hand washing will be great!
Every year, more than 3.5 million kids under five years old die from easily shared illnesses like diarrheal disease and respiratory infections. According to Unicef, frequent and proper hand washing helps reduce the rate of the illnesses by nearly half! Hand washing is a really necessary and is a lifesaving behavior that not only can prevent an illness for you and your family, but it can help prevent spreading it to other people. October 15 is Global Hand Washing Day that tries to promote the importance of this important habit.

References
Center's of Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, April 08). Hand washing. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandWashing/

Unicef. (n.d.). October 15, global handwashing day: lathering up to beat disease. Retrieved fromhttp://www.unicef.org/media/media_56293.html

The Don'ts of Hand Washing

The benefits of hand washing are many, with stopping the spread of sickness at the top of the list. But, many people are not aware of the simple mistakes that can make hand washing useless, or things that can make hands dirty once they are clean. Even if hands are washed or sanitized often, there are slip-ups people can make leading to dirty hands. They are all very common, as well as very dangerous, because hands that look clean can be just as dangerous as obviously dirty ones.
Some of the situations we come into contact with daily that can dirty our hands are obvious, like handling raw meat, using the restroom, coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and handling waste (Mayo Clinic 2009). But other things are far more common, covered in more germs and are usually overlooked. Door and sink knobs, any type of handle, paperwork, pets and our hair and faces are all covered in germs. These are often ignored, but are just as “dirty” as the many obvious sources of germs. Any surface that is commonly touched by people, like the number one offender door handles, is a popular place for germs to lurk; germs that can cause anything from a cold to MERSA (CDC 2010).
So in such a dirty world, how can you stay clean? The number one way to stay germ free is to wash your hands! It only takes 20 seconds with soap and water, or even less with hand sanitizers. The other way to stay clean is to become more aware of your surroundings. Think about the things you touch (Mayo Clinic 2009). Where has it been? Who was touched it before? Is it a common place for germs to hide? This isn’t meant to make you afraid of your hands, but to make you more aware about how easy it is to share germs with other people. Imagine that a sick coworker or classmate blew their nose, and did not wash their hands. A few minutes later, they hand you several papers, and if you are unaware or unprepared, and then touch your face or food then those germs can make sick as well.
This is exactly the thought process that one man from Athens, Georgia had that very well may have saved his life. While in the hospital with serious injuries, he asked his nurse if he had recently washed his hands. The nurse replied “I haven't been anywhere except the nurses' station." When asked if he had touched anything there, he responded, "Yes, but I haven't been in another patient's room." The patient was appalled by the idea of the germs that were hiding at the nurses’ station, and then politely asked him to wash his hands (Athens-Banner-Herald). This simple act is an example of being aware of surroundings, and how the invisible germs and harm you. This man was aware and it may have saved him from getting sick. The Original article can be read here
In addition to hands becoming grimy after hand washing, there are many things that can be done the wrong way during or just after washing that can lead to dirty hands. Using a paper or regular towel to turn off and on water can help cut down on the transfer of bacteria from sink to hand, as can using a paper towel to open the restroom door. Using warm water is best for hand washing when available, and washing for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to scrub between all fingers, and around the nails. These folds of skin can hold lots of germs (Mayo Clinic 2009). Another thing to think about is what you use to dry your hands after washing. To keep your hands clean, paper towels are best. But at home, this is not always an option, so a clean and dry hand towel is the second best. Your hands are only as clean as what you use to dry them!
Hand washing is an important part of keeping healthy and cutting back on the spread of disease. It is the simplest and often cheapest form of staying healthy. With these simple tips and reminders, you can keep our ands clean, to keep you and your family germ free.

References
Athens-Banner Herald. (2010, October 12). Is hand sanitizer or hand washing better. Retrieved from http://onlineathens.com/stories/101210/liv_718971154.shtml
Mayo Clinic. (2009, October 16). Hand washing: do's and don'ts. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407
CDC. (2010, April 8). Wash your hands. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandWashing/

Radon: What to Expect, How to React, and a Personal Story

What exactly IS Radon?

Radon, an odorless, colorless, radioactive element, is a result of the uranium decay in rocks and soil. It can be inhaled into the lungs, exposing itself to the lung tissue and increasing one’s chance for lung cancer. (Ginevan 1988). Smoking is the leading cause of this cancer worldwide, but radon poisoning follows right behind. The risk of lung cancer directly increases with the level of radon exposure. With this said, there is no actual safe level of Radon exposure. In the household, at or above 4.0 pCi/L is the level of caution according to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) (Gelina 2008). The best way to avoid illness is to reduce Radon exposure as much as possible and don’t smoke.

Why should I be Concerned? It’s Effects.

• Radon is a carcinogen.
• Radon poisoning holds second place as a cause of lung cancer. Approximately 15,000 to 22,000 of the 158,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States are caused by Radon poisoning (Gelina, 2005-2008).
• There are cures for lung cancer but it is one of the cancers with the lowest survival rate.
• Any radon level above 4.0 pCi/L should be acted on immediately. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) is recalling this number, bringing it down to a 2.7 pCi/L minimum. How to get your home or facility tested? See previous blog

What to do if you have been Exposed to Radon Gas

Radon poisoning is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, immediately following the number one factor of smoking tobacco (Gelina 2005-2008). Obviously, it is a risk if you have high levels of Radon in your home, but understand that other biological issues can increase your chance of damaging your lungs. Children or those of all ages with asthma are more susceptible to effects from high Radon levels in the home. A child holds air in their lungs longer than an average adult and exhales a lesser capacity of air; therefore, the Radon can penetrate and stay in his or her lungs longer. High indoor Radon levels affect your children as well as you and anyone else that visits your home sweet home.
Since lung cancer is the main effect of radon gas poisoning, most known remedies are treatments for cancer. The following options are available, with web links for a description:

Chemotherapy

Lobectomy or Pneumonectomy

Internal Radiation Therapy

Analgesics

External Radiation

Lung segmental resection

(“Treatments for Lung Cancer” 2003).
(“Radon - How to Prevent, Reduce, or Remove Radon” 2009).

• If your home is experiencing high levels of radon gas have your house checked for any leaks to the open air. This will help save energy as well. The older your home is, the more opportunities there are for radon to enter from the outside air.
• Purchase a radon testing kit to check the levels in your home. Checking any granite counter tops that could be emitting radon is crucial, too.
• For more information on keeping your home and family safe from radon poisoning, check out http://healthyaircapecod.blogspot.com/2010/09/radon-testing-and-remediation-reprint.html.

Taking Radon Testing Further in Missouri Schools

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) indoor air quality program has been testing Missouri homes since 2006.

Since 2006, schools have been tested for radon gas in over 50 of Missouri’s counties.
-Elevated radon levels were found in many of the schools, especially in northwest Missouri.
-Radon test devices were placed in every ground-contact classroom starting in August.
-Follow-up testing and technical assistance has been provided for those schools with dangerous levels.


For assistance or for more information on testing status in Missouri schools, please contact:
Randy Maley (DHSS, 573-751-6102, randy.maley@dhss.mo.gov) or
Barb Sassi (DHSS, 573-751-6090, sassib@dhss.mo.gov).

Testimonials

Dana Reeve. Died at age 44 in 2006. She never smoked a cigarette a day in her life. A tragic experience for this face of fame and it could happen to anyone (Stoppler 2006). Below is more information and tutorials on how you can protector your family and home as well as the importance of getting your hands on testing materials for Radon. Please view the final link that tells a shocking story of an average man’s battle with unexpected cancer—do to this silent killer.

Researchers, medical professionals and the common public talk about their knowledge of this deadly gas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S8vr27plZs

Get your home tested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOcLcCH9daQ&feature=related

If you have granite counter tops, learn how to properly test for radon gas levels in these areas vulnerable to high levels of uranium:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2jhBeJt95E&feature=related

Eddie’s battle with lung cancer—here how Radon poisoning has drastically affected his life so you won’t share the same fate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcvoZ1pP3ak


References
Gelina, Jamey. “Radon Gas: Second Leading Lung Cancer Cause According to Jamey Gelina, Air Quality
Control Agency Radon Specialist”. 1888 Press Release. 2008.
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/radon-mitigation/radon-action-month/radon-gas-second
leading-lung-cancer-cause-according-to-jam-pr-178465.html
Ginevan, Michael E. “Radon as an Indoor Air Pollutant”. Statistical Science.
3.3: 371-373. Institute of Mathematical Statistics: August 1988.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2245952
“Radon - How to Prevent, Reduce, or Remove Radon”. WebMD. January 2009. 20 September 2010.
http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/tc/radon-how-to-prevent-reduce-or-remove-radon
Stoppler, MD, Melissa C. “Dana Reeve Dies of Lung Cancer”. MedicineNet.com. March 2006. 26
September 2010. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=60375
“Treatments for Lung Cancer”. CureResearch.com. June 2003. 20 September 2010.
http://www.cureresearch.com/l/lung_cancer/treatments.htm

Radon: Risks, Avoidance, and Testing Your Home

What is Radon?

Being the second leading cause of lung disease in the United States with numbers reaching to 15,000 to 22,000 deaths per year, according to the National Academy of Science, radon exposure is a serious public health concern. Radon is a radioactive gas, both odorless and tasteless, invisibly released from the normal decay of uranium in rocks and soil, which seeps up through the ground and diffuses in air (National Cancer Institute). Due to the emitting of atomic particles as it breaks down, which can increase lung cancer risk and potentially alter DNA, the severity of radon is evident, being classified as a “Class A” carcinogen, according to the EPA. Radon death risk for the average person at home is 1000 times higher than the risk from any other carcinogen regulated by the FDA and EPA (“Radon Risk Assessment,” 2004). Ranking second to drunk driving for preventable causes of death, radon is higher than drowning, fires, and airline crashes.

Radon Informational Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frciP5_hylU&feature=related

Risks of Radon

Radon found in the home is dangerous not only to adults and children, but visitors that come into the home due to the risk of exposure. Indoor radon concentrations are due in part to specific characteristics of a residence and environmental factors (“Radon Risk Assessment,” 2004), in addition to occupants and their lifestyles. Typically, the highest radon levels are found in the lowest level of the house, however during colder months or climates, the radon levels are elevated to higher floors (“Radon and Cancer: Questions and Answers,” 2004). Warm air in a house rises and leaks out of attic openings and around upper floor windows, which creates a small suction at the lowest level of the house. This air flow subsequently pulls the radon out the soil and into the house (Martin, G.T., 2000). Radon has the potential to enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, foundations, and collect indoors. Other ways radon can enter a home include release from building materials, water from radon-containing wells, tightly sealed/insulated homes, or a residence built on uranium-rich soil (“Radon and Cancer: Questions and Answers,” 2004).

You may be interested to know that everyday people breathe in low levels of radon since it is present in nearly all air. The risk of lung cancer becomes elevated when the levels of radon inhalation are increased, which causes the radioactive particles to damage the cells lining the lung (“Radon and Cancer: Questions and Answers,” 2004). According to the EPA, the guideline for lifetime exposure to radon level is 4 pCi/L, which will create a risk of 1 to 5% of lung cancer development (enhs.umn). Factors that have been found to influence the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure include:
• Age
• Gender
• Physical condition
• Duration of exposure
• Time since initiation of exposure
• Cigarette smoking
• Other carcinogenic exposures
• Genetic tendency either to resist or be affected by internal radiation exposure
• Geographic location

Age – Children tend to be more susceptible to radon exposure than adults, due to longer latency periods to develop cancer, different breathing patterns, and lung structure. Subsequently, children have larger doses of radon in the respiratory tract. On average, children spend a majority of time at home or in the basement, 70% more time than adults, which increases the risk of domestic radon exposure (“Radon Risk Assessment,” 2004).

Gender - According to research, the risk of lung cancer due to radon exposure is different for men and women because of varying gender-related factors and lung dosimetry. Opposite of males, women typically have lower rates of lung cancer incidence, even when considering a smoking history (which elevates the risk) (“Radon Risk Assessment,” 2004).

Lung cancer risks from exposure to Radon-222 at 1 Bq/m3
Ever-Smokers Never-Smokers
Men 3.1 x 10-4 0.59 x 10-4
Women 2.0 x 10-4 0.40 x 10-4
Population 1.6 x 10-4

Physical Condition - The risk of lung cancer development can be increased if an individual has a chronic respiratory disease, such as fibrosis, asthma, or emphysema. Having reduced expiration efficiency and increased residual volume, individuals with chronic diseases can have radon and radon remnants present in the lungs for longer periods of time. This longer exposure significantly increases the risk of lung tissue damage (Martin, G.T., 2000). Others who may be more susceptible to the risk of lung cancer are individuals who have existing lung lesions, which in turn can produce tumors in the lungs.

Duration of Exposure – The length of exposure time and radon concentration in the air increases the possibility of an individual developing lung cancer. There is an increase in risk of development due to the greater number of radon particles passing through the body since every particle has an impact.

Cigarette Smoking – According to the National Academy of Science, who conducted six research studies on miners, found that there was a “synergistic effect” of the two exposures, with the two exposures being those who smoke and those who do not smoke. From the study, it was found that the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure was ten to fifteen times greater for those who smoke, opposed to those who do not smoke (“Lung Cancer,” 2008). In the United States, the relevance between radon exposure and smoking to the number of lung cancer deaths found that of “every 100 persons who died of lung cancer, approximately 93 were current or former smokers, whereas 7 had never smoked” (“Lung Cancer,” 2008). However, in the home, it was found that radon causes 23% death rate among non-smokers, while only 7% in smokers. The current hypothesis of why smokers have a lower rate is due to a possible “higher retention” because of alterations in mucociliary clearance and mucus production.

Geographic Location – Information from the EPA reveals that the upper Midwest exhibits the highest radon concentration levels due to glacial deposits from over 10,000 years ago ((“Radon Risk Assessment,” 2004). Approximately 6 million or 6% of American homes have radon concentrations above 4 pCi/L, which is above the accepted limit of radon in the home increasing the risk of lung cancer (EPA). Although the only way of determining radon level concentration in the home is through testing, some homes are more predisposed than others due to: soil porosity, type of foundation, building materials, source of water supply, location, and building ventilation rates. Most homes found with higher than normal levels of radon were found to have larger deposits of granite, shale, phosphate, and uranium present.

Testing

The EPA recommends homeowners to have the home tested in order to reduce radon levels if the concentration is at or above 4 picocuries per liter or pCi/L. For those homes with levels exceeding the EPA’s standards that get the home tested and corrected, lung cancer deaths could be reduced by 2 to 4 percent or about 5,000 deaths per year (“Radon,” 2009).

Testing Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgrIa3CXllU&feature=related

Before the Radon Test

Use a radon measurement device listed by EPA’s Radon Measurement Proficiency Program or certified by your state. It is important to conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours for the detectors to get an accurate reading of radon levels. The EPA recommends that short-term radon testing is to be conducted under closed-house conditions, meaning that all windows and doors be kept closed, not using fans or other devices to bring in air from outside. It is vital to maintain the closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before beginning the test and for the entire testing time if doing short-term (“Radon Testing,” 2009).

Detectors and Cost

Since radon levels seem to vary from day to day, there are two different types of detectors that can be used to test radon levels in the home, in which both are seemingly easy to use and fairly inexpensive (“Radon Testing,” 2009).
• Short-term Detectors: used to measure radon levels for 2 days to 90 days. Cost ranges from 9 to 12 dollars.
• Long-term Detectors: used to measure radon levels for more than 90 days

However, if you are unsure of the type of detector needed to test your home, contact a state or local radon official to explain about and recommend the best testing device. Cost ranges from 30 to 35 dollars.

During the Radon Test

It is important to not disturb the test device at any time during the test, in addition to maintaining closed-house conditions during the entire time the test is running. For tests lasting less than one week, only operate air conditioning units that recirculate interior air. If a radon reduction system is in place, make sure the system works properly and is in operation during the test (“Radon Testing,” 2009).

Radon Reduction

If high levels of radon are found, then the house needs to be fixed. After finding high levels of radon in the home contact a qualified radon reduction contractor to lower the home’s radon level. Home size and design are determinant on the cost of radon reduction in the home, depending on the methods needed. However, costs normally range from $800 to $2500 depending on the severity and level of radon in the home.

Research

A study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 2000 tested the radon exposure in residential areas in Iowa. Participants were females who had lived in current home for at least 20 years, and included 413 females with lung cancer and 614 females without lung cancer (Field, R.W., et al, 2000). The study involved homes being tested for radon levels, home characteristics examined, and lung cancer tissues examined, which provided a link between lung cancer and radon exposure.

Another study conducted in 2002 involved radon exposure in Swedish people who had not smoked daily for more than one year. Participants included 231 people without lung cancer and 110 people with lung cancer. Methods involved measuring radon levels in the home through regular testing devices, as well as glass testing. Again, results showed that there is a long-term radon exposure link to lung cancer.


References

Field, R.W., Steck, D.J., Smith, B.J., Brus, C.P., & Fisher, E.L. (2000).

Residential radon gas exposure and lung cancer: the Iowa radon lung cancer study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 151(11), Retrieved from http://radsci1.home.mchsi.com/irlcs.pdf.

Lung cancer. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Cancer
inMissouri/LungCancer.pdf.

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