Radon Health Dangers

Radon is a colorless, tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from uranium deposits in the ground. Radon enters the home through the home's foundation or well water. Although naturally occurring, the indoor levels of radon vary widely across the United States and from house to house.

Studies show that any level of radon over 0.4 pCi/L increases the risk for lung cancer. People who have smoked are at an even higher risk. Some homes have extremely high levels of radon when a house next door may not have any. Because radon dissipates quickly concentrations of radon gas outdoors are negligible.

People who are exposed to high levels of radon over a prolonged period of time often develop lung cancer. Early symptoms of radon exposure are coughing, wheezing, heavy breathing, and infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. Symptoms of radon gas exposure are often not recognized until a serious condition has been diagnosed.

Testing is an important instrument used to determine radon gas levels. Using a reputable and experienced test facility is important. Look for a facility that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) Also, taking at least two tests in different parts of the house gives a more accurate reading. One of the test sites should be the master bedroom since so many people spend the majority of their time at home sleeping.

Doing the tests midsummer and midwinter will give you a good average of levels in your home. Also, don't forget to send in a water sample if your water comes from a source other than a public water service.

If your test results come back with higher than normal levels of radon there is no reason to panic. It is easy to lower levels of radon gas with proper ventilation and water filtration. Setting up fans and circulating air will lower levels quickly. Certain parts of your house will be more prone to have higher levels. Basements are more likely to have higher level due to their proximity to the ground.

Do not use basements as living space unless correct ventilation is installed. Sealing any cracks or openings in the basement is especially important. If you have high levels of radon in your water a charcoal filtration system along with proper aeration will dispel any gas in the water. High priced radon mitigation companies will try and sell you all sort of gadgets but the average consumer can lower radon levels with a few common sense techniques.

Health

Although many people in Britain are rightly proud of the National Health Service (NHS) and people aged over 50 are most likely to use it, research suggests that more and more older people are losing faith in the NHS and turning to private health insurance.

A recent survey revealed that 87% of the over-50s have used the NHS in the last couple of years and that almost half (43%) of them said their experience had been a "very good" one.However, the research also showed that 20% of over-50s believe the NHS has deteriorated in recent years. Over a third (35%) predict that the NHS will get worse in the next five years.

Survey respondents listed their top reasons for choosing private medical insurance. These were:• To avoid National Health Service waiting lists • Increased flexibility over when and where treatment takes place • Hospital cleanliness

• Private hospitals are more comfortable

• Care in private hospitals is perceived as being of a better quality

• Policies are available which cater specifically to the needs of the over-50s
Over 500,000 people aged over 50 now rely, at least partly, on private medical insurance.

More reasons that the over-50s choose private health insurance

•They worry about public spending cuts and their affect on the NHS • The over-50s are more health-conscious and active than ever • Many over-50s lead very busy lives and they do not want to be slowed down by niggling health problems which could be treated quickly • They want to have peace of mind about their finances.