January is National Radon Action Month: Have You Tested Your Home?

The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month.  If you read that and said "Great, it's about time," then you're probably aware of the risks associated with radon.  If you read it and said "National what?  Why would we have a month for radon anything?" then you might need to read on.


Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and is estimated to kill 20,000 people in the US each year.  


A few facts you should know:

• Radon is an odorless, tasteless, cancer-causing radioactive gas
• Radon gas is  released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings 
• Radon is found all over the US, not just in farming areas; in fact, two neighboring homes can have very different radon levels.  (Check out this site to see your county's radon levels)

What you can do:

• Test your home for radon.  We did it after learning about mom's diagnosis (and found our levels weren't elevated) and it's quite easy.  You can buy a kit from Lowe's or Home Depot for around $20, or you can order them from your state office.  Visit the EPA website for more information.
• If your levels come up high (4 pCi/L or greater), you should have your home fixed.  The cost to fix the problem is said to rival that of having a new hot water heater installed, but will vary based on the home.