CENTERVILLE —
Radon is an odorless, naturally occurring breakdown of uranium gas that seeps out of the soil through basement cracks, floor drains and crawl spaces and collects in house. Elevated levels of radioactive radon gas in a house can lead to serious health consequences, according to literature released by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Radon is said to be the second leading cause of lung cancer and ongoing studies are looking at radon's other adverse health effects. Radon exposure doesn't come with noticeable health effects and can only be discovered after lung cancer has developed, according to literature released by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
The same literature states radon gas decays, attaches to dust particles and lodges in the lungs once inhaled.
"As the particles decay, they release bursts of energy that can penetrate and damage sensitive lung tissue. The damaged tissue has the potential to develop into lung cancer," states the literature.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates between 7,000 and 30,000 Americans die each year from radon exposure.
One way to make sure the level of radon gas in your home isn't too high is to get a test kit. Most hardware stores and other outlets carry the kits that cost around $20.
For more information, contact the Bureau of Radiological Health at 1-800-383-5992.
Local News
January is National Radon Month
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10.10.10 Heritage Pride puzzle 16
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Walking Tour around Square Wednesday
Enfys McMurry and Historic Preservation Corporation are celebrating National Historic Month by having a walking tour around the Historic Square District in Centerville Wednesday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m. Meet at Tangleberries on the south side of the Square. The tour is one hour long and then meet back at Tangleberries for tea and scones. Cost is $7 per person including tea and a scone at Tangleberries upon completion of the tour. Call (641) 437-4700 or Chamber Office for reservations.
The tour is entitled: “Centerville – A Mid American Saga – a Tour of the Square (which also is the name of the book Enfys just finished) and it will be out for sale in the fall of 2012. -
STATE CHAMPIONS
Centerville Big Reds’ boys distance medley team wins at Drake Stadium in Des Moines during the Iowa High School Co-Ed State Track meet.
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GRADUATION TIME
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National Underage Drinking Prevention Day is May 21
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School board approves master contract agreement, hires Spanish teacher
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During the meeting the board approved the resignation of Jerry Meredith from Lakeview custodian and Chuck Banks from his coaching positions.
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EMS Week May 20-26: Moulton First Responders
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Open house Thursday
Mercy Ambulance open house for EMS week is Thursday, May 24 from 4-6 p.m. at the Mercy Ambulance garage at the hospital. Mercy One helicopter is landing at approximately 4:30 p.m.
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Contract for sludge facility on council agenda
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Dave Loebsack demands action on legislation to keep Iowa USDA offices open
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IHCC 2012 Centerville campus graduation
Outstanding students honored at Indian Hills Community College’s Centerville Campus.
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Tournament
Krazy Connie's Landing, 12166 Highway S70, Plano is holding an Alzheimer's golf benefit at The Manhattan Golf Club in Centerville Saturday, July 21 at 8 a.m.
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