for the presence of radon -- determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency to be the second major cause of lung cancer. Chief health inspector Mr.

Patrick Mayers said the monitoring was a result of a recent disclosure by the US Naval Air Station that radon had been detected on base. Mr. Mayers said the department was testing areas from St. George's to Dockyard. He stressed he had no evidence to suggest radon was present in harmful amounts anywhere on the Island. Radon test kits were given to 50 householders, who agreed to take part in the monitoring process when contacted by Health Department officials this month. They began monitoring their areas on Tuesday and will continue for a week, Mr. Mayers said. The results of the tests will then be shipped overseas for analysis. Radon, a natural gas, can accumulate in geological formations and seep into nearby buildings. It becomes dangerous when it builds up a high concentration, especially in a poorly ventilated building.*l