Pittsburg, PA
40% of Pennsylvania homes may be exposing people to cancer-causing gas, American Lung Association says
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Forty percent of homes in Pennsylvania may be exposing people to a cancer-causing gas, according to the American Lung Association. They said high levels of radon have been found across the state.
The Lung Association said the gas comes up from the ground so areas like a basement could be impacted and if your house is built on a slab, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear either.
Radon is the result of naturally present uranium breaking down. Outside, that’s not a problem. The issue is when it’s trapped in a building in high quantities.
“People can be exposed to really high levels and not know it,” said Kevin Steward, the American Lung Association’s director of environmental health.
Steward said radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country behind smoking. The gas is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Decades of testing found two-fifths of Pennsylvania homes had high levels of the gas.
“That should be confirmed in the heavily-lived-in parts of the house to see if mitigation is necessary,” Steward said over Zoom.
Tests can be found in most hardware stores. They range from $10-15. They’re fairly simple and come with directions. After you do the test, you’ll send it to a lab for results.
“High levels have been found deep in cities. High levels have been found in farmhouses. It doesn’t matter, test for radon,” Steward said.
If the levels come back high, it’s recommended to get a double confirmation.
Sometimes levels can vary. If you need mitigation, the state Department of Environmental Protection has resources to find someone. It usually costs about a grand to $1,500.
“It’s very simple, moderately inexpensive compared to many other things like roof repair. It can normally be done in half a day to a day,” Steward told KDKA-TV.
The state DEP said to call the radon division at 717-783-3594 or the radon hotline at 800-237-2366 for help interpretating any test results.
You can check your zip code through the DEP’s website to see a history of high radon levels.
Nothing seemed to go in Roman Wilson’s favor while Mike Tomlin led the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether it was battling through an injury-filled rookie season or struggling to find his footing in his second year, Wilson now finds himself on the roster bubble. He understands this could be his final opportunity to establish himself in Pittsburgh, and a coaching change may have given him a boost.
With Mike McCarthy now serving as head coach of the Steelers, Wilson has a fresh opportunity to reset his trajectory.
Any issues that may have lingered under Tomlin are now in the past. While it is unclear if the young playmaker will immediately build chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, a new coaching staff brings the potential for change. According to McCarthy, Wilson was also one of the first players to reach out after the hiring, which could signal a strong level of motivation moving forward.
“He was one of the first men to reach out. Just clearly ask what the expectation was of him, how I view him.” McCarthy said. “How I saw him fitting in as it rolls. He’s had a great offseason.”
Nothing will be handed to Roman Wilson, as Pittsburgh has completely overhauled its wide receiver group this offseason. DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard all appear set for significant roles on offense, which could leave Wilson in a difficult position. However, if he proves during training camp that he deserves playing time, McCarthy will not overlook his performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Roman Wilson might be turning a corner with HC Mike McCarthy
It will be up to Roman Wilson to prove he can be a starting caliber receiver throughout the preseason. If he fails to secure the fourth spot on the depth chart or better, his career could enter a critical stage. Time is quickly running out, but his level of talent is still clear. The hope is that with McCarthy as an offensive-minded head coach, Wilson will be in a better position to succeed.
Reaching a high level this season will not come easily for Wilson.
At times last year, it appeared that Aaron Rodgers did not look his way often in the passing game. There could be some tension between the two, which may have contributed to the Steelers bringing in multiple veteran receivers late last season. If that disconnect still exists, it could become another obstacle for Wilson as he tries to earn Rodgers’ trust and secure a larger role in the offense.
With McCarthy leading the coaching staff, he will look to unlock the full potential of Pittsburgh’s offense. Wilson could play an important role in helping address the unit’s ongoing struggles. Despite the talent ahead of him on the depth chart, his opportunity could grow significantly this season. He will need to earn his place, but there is a clear path for him to succeed.
Outside of Metcalf, Pittman Jr., and Bernard, Wilson should still have an opportunity to make plays this season.
If he is unable to carve out a role during the preseason, he could find himself on his way off the roster sooner than expected. However, the positive remarks from McCarthy should give him a boost of confidence entering what is shaping up to be a make-or-break campaign. This is his final opportunity to prove himself in Pittsburgh.
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