your
comfort
open
mind
all advices
for you
William J. Angell
Veterans Day is commemorated on or near November 11 in a number of countries including Australia, Britain, Canada, France, and the United States to honor all who served in the military to protect the health and well-being of their families and communities.
Many are unaware that the various branches of the U.S. armed forces have conducted radon testing and mitigation of military housing and other buildings around the world for more than 25 years. While this action is designed to protect military and civilian personnel from indoor radon exposure in Department of Defense facilities, it is up to veterans and military employees to test their own homes. To the best of my knowledge, there are no special programs or funding help veterans test for radon and mitigate high concentrations in their homes.
Of course, the greatest risk associated with radon exposure is lung cancer. This risk is greatest for smokers and former smokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking prevalence is higher among people currently serving in the military than among the civilian population. Thus, it is even more important that veterans reduce their radon exposures.
Another branch of the uniformed services, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), has made very important contributions to radon risk reduction. Although not part of the U.S. armed forces, the PHS Commissioned Corps have served in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Indian Health Service. Within EPA, PHS officers have served in radon assignments in regional offices as well as headquarters. In fact in the mid-1980s, PHS officer Rich Guimond was a very important advocate for the formation of EPA’s radon program. The senior officer of the U.S. PHS is the Surgeon General and the nation’s lead doctor, the Surgeon General has been a constant and forceful advocate for radon risk reduction.
Take a moment, today, to thank veterans and PHS officers for their services and to support tem in radon risk reduction.
What does Veterans Day have to do with indoor radon risk reduction?
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