Radon 2nd-Leading Lung Cancer Cause
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, responsible for 20,000 deaths annually, according to the American Lung Assn. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
During National Radon Action Week, Oct. 14-20, the Lung Assn. and the EPA will be sponsoring a number of events to assist area residents in becoming more aware of the risks posed by this gas.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and other openings. Residents can easily and inexpensively test their homes for the presence of radon.
The Lung Assn. will be offering free Radon Information Kits to the public which will include fact sheets, lists of EPA-approved testing devices and consumer hotline numbers.
Other scheduled activities include radon experts who will discuss proper testing devices, health risks associated with exposure to radon and methods of correcting radon problems. Guest speakers will be available for community groups as well.
For information on speakers in your area or to obtain an information kit, call (213) 935-LUNG or (818) 797-LUNG.
SCIENCE POLICY
The development of nuclear physics in China will be the subject of Caltech’s Seminar on Science, Ethics and Public Policy, Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Judy Library, Baxter Hall, on campus. (818) 356-4087.
HEALTH / MEDICINE
Advances in research and treatment of liver disease will be discussed in a seminar sponsored by the United Liver Assn. on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bel-Air Summit Hotel. (213) 445-4204.
St. John’s Hospital and Health Center and the Southern California Psychiatric Society will present a program on understanding and coping with troublesome adolescent behavior, including adolescent substance abuse, Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the hospital’s auditorium. Reservations are required. (213) 829-8513.
The shoulder problems experienced by many breast cancer patients after surgery will be discussed at the monthly meeting of Breast Cancer Recovery Plus on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Mercury Savings & Loan office in West Los Angeles. (213) 478-9463 or (213) 452-0200.
SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES
Families can learn about the environmental communities of the local mountains in a number of naturalist-led walks sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Children ages 5 through 9 and their parents can join a walk to an ancient oak grove in the Happy Camp area on Sunday at 3 p.m. Families can also hike up Happy Camp Canyon and learn about the area’s plant and animal communities on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. (213) 456-7807 or (805) 255-0640.
ASTRONOMY
The California State University’s Desert Studies Center near Baker will offer a weekend astronomy course Oct. 20-21. Families are welcome at this program which will offer participants an opportunity to view the autumn desert sky through telescopes and binoculars. (714) 880-5975.
The Magellan mission to Venus will be the topic of the El Camino College Planetarium program, Fridays at 8 p.m. through Oct. 26. (213) 715-3200.
