Ask Your Physician about Radon Exposure

Ask Your Physician about Radon Exposure

If you have not already done so, it is a very smart idea to ask your family physician about radon exposure. Recently, even more attention is being directed at the risks of radon exposure in homes. Radon exposure has been found to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, making it the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers! The EPA is estimating that radon exposure is responsible for 21,000 deaths each year. This is a risk that is preventable through education. Physicians who were once concerned about smoking, have now turned their concerns to radon exposure.

The good news is it does not take exceptionally long for your physician to inform you about radon and its risks. Radon dangers are also much easier to treat than smoking, you will not have to use your willpower or fight difficult cravings. Home test kits are available to test levels of radon in your home. Test kits are quite simple to use, not very expensive and easy to find, in fact you can ask us for a test kit! If test results show elevated levels, further action should be taken immediately. A radon mitigation system will reduce the levels of radon as soon as it is in place.

So, what is radon exactly? Radon is odorless and colorless. In fact, we cannot identify it using any of our senses! It's a gas that is simply released from uranium in soil. Therefore, it can be present in any home! It can enter your home very easily through small cracks in your foundation. Radon can also be found in the water supply if your home has a water well. The levels of radon can vary from room to room or floor to floor in your home. Luckily, your home can be tested for radon exposure.

When it comes to radon risk, everyone is at risk. Family physicians should be informing everyone. High levels of radon have been found all over the country, in all 50 states. Physicians who have not already done so, should be proactive about spreading the word about radon danger.

Has your family's physician addressed the issue of radon with you at all? Have you had your home screened? If not, it is especially important that you directly ask your family's physician about these risks. Taking steps to find out the status of radon in your home could be the most important preventative action you ever take. I am sure your physician would agree that the health and safety of your loved ones is most important.

For more information about radon detection and mitigation, contact a local National Radon Defense contractor.