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As a service to the MIT community, the MIT Radiation Protection
Program (RPP) offers free radon testing kits and analysis for home
radon testing. The RPP is the branch of the Environmental, Health
and Safety Office that provides advice and service in the areas
of radiation safety involving sources of ionizing and non-ionizing
radiation. The program is staffed by a group of professional health
physicists.
Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas produced in
soil by the decay of radium, a natural component of all soil. It
can easily enter houses through the basement foundation or household
water supply. Radon is considered to be the second leading cause
of lung cancer by USEPA. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
Participants can pick up a radon testing canister at RPP in N52-496.
After setting it in their home for an appropriate period (48 hours),
they seal the canister and return it to the office for analysis.
Radiation Protection personnel can offer information on radon mitigation
techniques for individuals whose radon levels are in excess of the
EPA recommended levels.
In addition to this service, Radiation Protection also offers an
IAP course, "Radiation Exposure in the Home." While this
covers many sources of radiation exposure, the main emphasis is
on radon.
If you qualify for this free radon testing, visit Radiation Protection
to pick up a canister, or request one by inter-departmental mail
by calling 617-452-3477.
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