SECURITY ALERT:
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently issued a Security Alert to licensees that implement a Security Program based upon the use of the Apache Log4 software database and library. Concerns involve the vulnerability of this system to unauthorized access for malevolent purposes.
If your facility currently uses the Apache Log4 system for the electronic security of radioactive materials you are encouraged to immediately confirm the security of the radioactive material and enhance that physical security system as necessary.
RADON:
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. … Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to smoking.
Measured radon levels vary by state based upon geological concentrations of natural radium. Although Applied Health Physics, LLC does not provide radon testing we highly recommend that home owners inspect their basement walls and floors for cracks, which provide the pathway for radon entering the home. Radon test kits can be obtained at many retail stores such as Lowes, Home Depot and online through Amazon.
Radon test results should be compared to Environmental Protection Agency guidance for remediation of > 4.0 picocuries per liter. In the event that test results exceed the federal guidance level of 4.0 pCi/liter the home owner should consider having a radon mitigation system installed.
The Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, which results in 20,000 deaths annually. This time of year our windows and doors are closed 24/7 so the gas remains concentrated.
