Friday, January 22, 2016

By John Voket Every January, I spend some time talking about radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and breathing Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in the USA according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Too many Americans are unknowingly living with this cancer risk in their own homes. High radon can lurk undetected in any home, and the EPA says millions of Americans are breathing invisible radon gas every day and do not know it, as there are no warning alarms or health symptoms.

That’s why the U.S. Surgeon General urges that all homes be tested for radon, an invisible odorless gas that can seep into any home, new or old, from surrounding soil, rock and underground geology.

When trapped inside, radon builds up and that’s why every home’s air must be tested to determine its radon level.

Home radon testing is the first step to help prevent lung cancer, the EPA says. And it’s easy to test a home for radon

If you are interested in finding a qualified radon measurement professional to test your home, you wish to purchase a radon test kit, or have questions about a radon measurement device:

• The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers discounted test kits available to purchase online. You may complete the test kit order form electronically and print it out to mail or fax in. You may download a radon test kit coupon and mail it in.
• Some home improvement stores/centers sell radon test kits. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to get your reading.
• Contact your state radon official or agency to determine what are, or whether there are, requirements associated with providing radon measurement and or radon mitigation / reduction in your state. Some states maintain lists of contractors available in their state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own. Some states offer free or discounted test kits to the public.

Homeowners can also get assistance by calling 1.800.SOS.RADON, or visiting epa.gov/radon/.

Don't forget, homes with high levels of radon gas can be fixed. So in our next segment, I will look at indoor air venting solutions that are proven, practical, and cost-effective to install if high radon levels are found.

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