Document m5kL5B6DZrK8GepGJ8jZqNg4

Message From: Sent: To: CC: Subject: Tula Karrasj Ex. 6 ! 12/6/2017 lT::53PM ' Jones, Enesta [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=65b8e6c6e5ca4a7a9ae85d98a4c8eedb-EJones02] Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Re: Journalist requesting brief interview on radon for Good Housekeeping magazine Thank you Enesta, this is extremely helpful and clear. I just have one follow-up Q: Why should homes with major renovations or changes to the ElVAC system be retested? What is it about these undertakings that can release more radon into the home? Best, Tula Karras Writer/Editor _____ X _______ 1______________ _________ 1________j _________________ Ex. 6 On Dec 6, 2017, at 3:58 PM, Jones, Enesta <Jones.Enesta@epa.gov> wrote: Hi Tula, I'm sending our responses on behalf of Tricia. Please attribute to an EPA spokesperson. 1. What is the prevalence for radon in U.S. homes? The national average is that 1 in 15 homes will have a radon level at or above EPA's action level of 4 pCi/l. However, due to the geologic nature of radon some communities will have a higher percentage of homes with elevated levels - possibly exceeding 50%. General all-purpose info is in the Citizen's Guide to Radon - https://www.epa.gov/radon/consumers-guide-radon-reduction-how-fix-vour-home. 2. Who should test their test and how often? (he, everyone should test It every year? only when you first move Into a new home?) Every home should be tested for radon. Homes that undergo major renovations or changes to the HVAC system should be retested. 3. What types of radon tests are most accurate? Since radon levels can vary, a long-term test (more than 90 days) gives the most accurate reading of a house's radon level. These are usually alpha track, electret or continuous monitor devices. EPA recommends that if short-terms tests are done that two devices be used; either concurrently or sequentially. The two results are then averaged for the house's level. 4. Are there certain areas of the country or other environmental factors that can raise your risk? (he, living near a power plant fetc.) Elevated radon levels have been found in homes in every state. Due to geology some areas have more potential for higher radon that others. Regardless of where you live everyone's home should be tested; it's the only way to tell if there's a radon problem, https://www.ep3.gov/radon/find-lnformation-about- local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00022543-00001 5. Is there any way besides testing your home to know if you might have a radon problem? Testing is the only way to determine a home's radon level. Radon is radioactive, and it's also invisible and odorless. Testing is easy - kits are available online and at larger home stores. Certified professional can be hired as well. 6. Are new homes required to have radon monitors? EPA is unaware of any local requirements for radon monitors similar to those for carbon monoxide or smoke for new homes. There are state and local building codes that require all new homes be built using radon-resistant construction techniques. 7. What do you do if you have levels that exceed safe limits? Since radon is radioactive there isn't a 100% safe level. Any exposure to radon poses some health risk. If the home has levels at or above 4 pCi/l, EPA recommends reducing those levels. A radon mitigation usually entails placing a vent pipe through the house to exhaust the radon from beneath the slab. Sometimes a fan is attached to increase the suction and the effectiveness of the system. The Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction is very informative - https://www.epa.gov/radon/consumers- guide-radon-reduction-how-fix-your-home. 8. How much does it cost to have a radon contractor address a radon problem? If you don't know for sure, is there a ballpark or a range for specific systems? Trying to give readers a sense of how much they might need to spend if they have high levels. Prices will vary from place to place depending on how much work needs to be done (a simple system or an elaborate one) and the cost of labor and materials. Radon mitigation costs about the same as other home repairs. Always work with certified mitigators and get quotes from multiple companies. ---- Original Message----- From: Tula Karras [ Ex. 6 j Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2017 12:23 PM To: Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tric.ia@epa.gov> Subject: Re: Journalist requesting brief interview on radon for Good Housekeeping magazine Hi Tricia, Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. My soft deadline is Tuesday morning (sorry for the lastminute notice). This is a first draft so I can incorporate quotes upon the revise stage. That said, I'd appreciate any efforts on your staff's part to make the earlier deadline. Here are the Qs: 1. What is the prevalence for radon in U.S. homes? 2. Who should test their test and how often? (i.e. everyone should test it every year? only when you first move into a new home?) 3. What types of radon tests are most accurate? 4. Are there certain areas of the country or other environmental factors that can raise your risk? (i.e. living near a power plant ,etc.) 5. Is there any way besides testing your home to know if you might have a radon problem? 6. Are new homes required to have radon monitors? 7. What do you do if you have levels that exceed safe limits? 8. How much does it cost to have a radon contractor address a radon problem? If you don't know for sure, is there a ballpark or a range for specific systems? Trying to give readers a sense of how much they might need to spend if they have high levels. Best, Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00022543-00002 Tula Karras Writer/Editor Ex. 6 > On Nov 30, 2017, at 7:20 AM, Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tricia@epa.gov> wrote: > > Hi Tula- > > Thanks for your inquiry. I'm happy to check into the possibility of a call, though I do need to mention that they're not always available. If not, we can generally respond in writing. > > In either case, to start I'll need a list of your specific questions and your hard deadline. Can you please send those at your earliest convenience? > > Thanks so much, > > Tricia > > ________________ > > Tricia Lynn > Office of Public Affairs > U.S. EPA > Office: 202.564.2615 > > > > -- Original Message----> From: Tula Karras 1 Ex. 6 > Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 9:06 PM > To: Lynn, Tricia <lynn.trida@epa.gov> > Subject: Journalist requesting brief interview on radon for Good > Housekeeping magazine > > Hello Tricia, > > I'm writing a piece of Good Housekeeping's April issue on indoor air quality and I am addressing radon as a possible source of indoor air pollutants. I'd like to speak with someone at the EPA about the risks of elevated radon levels, how to know if your home is affected, and what to do if it is. > > I've reviewed some of the information on the EPA's web site, but I would also like to speak to an expert if possible. > > Thank you! Best, > > Tula Karras > Writer/Editor Ex. 6 > > Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00022543-00003 Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00022543-00004