January is Radon Action Month
Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. If high radon levels are detected in your home, there are ways to fix the problem and protect you and your loved ones. The month of January is Radon Action Month and with a few simple steps, you and those you love can decrease the exposure of radon and the risk of lung cancer. Keep reading to find out how you can act against radon!
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that seeps up from the ground and disperses into the air. In some areas of the country, radon can even be found in ground water and is then released into the air when the water is used. Lower levels of radon aren't a cause for too much concern as everyone breathes in small amounts of radon every day. The serious health risks come into play when areas with radon have inadequate ventilation thus increasing the levels and the risk of developing lung cancer.
Test your home
The EPA and U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Radon testing your home is easy and fairly inexpensive. If you are looking to find a qualified radon service professional to test your home, wish to purchase a radon test kit, or have questions about a radon measurement device, there are several options available. You can contact your state's radon program to determine what requirements are associated with providing radon measurement or radon mitigations/reductions in your state. Some states maintain lists of available contractor or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own. Some states also offer free or discounted test kits to the public. Some home improvement stores sell radon test kits that homeowners can use to test for radon themselves. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to obtain your reading.
Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area
Look for radon events in your community to help educate yourselves and others. Contact your state radon program for more information about local radon activities.
Spread the word
Spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their homes. Tell your friends and loved ones about the health risks associated with high levels of radon and encourage them to test their homes. Get a group of friends and family together and plan an event in your community to help raise radon awareness. Use the EPA's National Radon Action Month event planning kit as a guide.
Radon causes thousands of deaths every year. These deaths could have been prevented if homeowners had taken a more active role in protecting themselves and their families. Since radon exposure over a period has been proven to cause cancer, it's best for all homeowners to have their homes tested. Learn more about radon and what you can do to lower the risks in your home by contacting National Radon Defense today or visit us online to find a radon mitigation contractor in your area.
