Radon in Maine:  The Data, Our Health, and What Maine is Doing to Reduce Our Risk

Jonathan Dyer, Maine Radon Coordinator, Maine Radiation Control Program, Augusta, ME

About this program:

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Nationally, one in twelve houses has radon levels above U.S. EPA recommended action limits.  In Maine, however, this ratio is dramatically different:  one in three Maine homes is likely to have radon levels above action limits, with one in two homes likely having elevated levels in Cumberland County.

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This session will discuss the harsh realities of Maine radon risk and what we are learning from recently published radon testing and mitigation data.  The session includes discussion of how the data are being used to inform current and future action to address this risk. 

The presenter will:

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• review what we know about the health effects on Maine's population

• discuss the various testing methodologies, and how to choose among them for various applications

• summarize the acceptable methodologies for reducing radon in Maine homes

• share how and where to find reliable information about radon in Maine

• identify Maine's statutory and regulatory structures for addressing radon problems in Maine, and how they apply to landlords, builders, testing professionals, real estate professionals, and homeowners.

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About the Presenter:
 

​Jon is a chemist and has been involved with radon in the Maine Radon Program for over 30 years.  He was founder and owner of A&L Laboratory Inc. and Radon Diagnostic Laboratory until he sold the companies in 2014. During his ownership he conducted over 80,000 air radon and water radon tests. For the past three years, Jon has served as the Maine Radon Coordinator, managing Maine’s air and water radon service provider regulatory program and its nearly 170 company and individual licensees.  Jon inspects radon mitigation systems when there is a complaint,  gives radon presentations to the public and technical training to the Maine radon industry, and answers general and technical questions for Maine residents and the Maine radon industry.

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Program Level:

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Basic

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Content Area(s):

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Residential, Design & Construction, Health/Medical, Policy

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