SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1301

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives D. Sommers, Rust, Walker, Sprenkle, Valle, Schoon, Pruitt, Phillips, Nealey, G. Fisher, Brekke, Fraser, Moyer, Rector and Silver)

Providing for radon studies.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bauer, Benitz, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 29, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is emitted by the radioactive decay of uranium in rocks and soils.  Radon may seep into buildings through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, areas around drainage pipes, and other openings.  Radon decay products attach themselves to dust particles, walls, furniture, and clothing, and lodge in the lungs when inhaled.

A National Academy of Sciences study released last year concluded that radon exposure is responsible for approximately 13,000 of the estimated 136,000 cases of lung cancer deaths each year, making radon the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths.  Additionally, the health risks associated with breathing radon are significantly higher for smokers.  According to a recent report on radon by a National Research Council committee, radon exposure multiplies the lung cancer risk in smokers by at least tenfold.

There are no federal or state regulations governing radon exposure.  However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends remedial action when at least four picocuries per liter of radon are found in a home.  According to the EPA, between four million and eight million homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon.  The EPA estimates that this level of exposure is equivalent to smoking eight cigarettes a day or having two hundred chest x-rays a year.

Radon exposure in homes can be reduced by increasing ventilation in the home, sealing openings where it may be entering buildings, covering exposed earth with a concrete or gas-proof liner, covering sumps, placing removable plugs in untrapped floor drains, or installing soil ventilation devices.

Since uranium is not distributed evenly, radon problems are concentrated in certain areas of the country.  According to the Office of Radiation Protection in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), northeastern Washington has a potential for higher levels of indoor radon than other areas of the state because of naturally occurring uranium in the soil and rocks.

SUMMARY:

The State Radiation Control Agency (Agency) is required to maintain a program to educate and inform the public concerning radon.  The program shall include the origin and health effects of radon, how to measure radon, and construction and mitigation techniques to reduce exposure to radon.

By July 31, 1989, the Agency must begin a study of existing data, supplemented by selected testing, to determine the presence or absence of radon in schools, state buildings, and residences in the state.  State officials participating in these studies are granted immunity for the failure of any radon testing contractor to accurately measure and supply radon information.  The results of these studies and any recommendations are due to the Legislature and Governor by December 1, 1990.

The State Building Code Council (SBBC) is required to conduct a review of techniques to reduce and mitigate indoor radon pollution through building codes.  This review must include an assessment of federal, regional, and state activity in this area, and the identification of codes or standards that may be appropriate for consideration by the state.  The SBBC shall report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1989

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The review of techniques to reduce and mitigate indoor radon pollutions through building codes, by the State Building Code Council, is eliminated.  The sum of $48,000 is appropriated to the agency for purposes of the act.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Duane Sommers (pro); Bob Mooney, DSHS (pro)