It would be a shame to let the month of January get away from us without acknowledging that it is National Radon Action Month and letting you know how to properly celebrate no matter where you reside.

Radon is a silent intruder that you cannot see or smell but can build up at dangerous levels in your home. Exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in America, claiming the lives of 20,000 people a year. Sadly, nearly all exposure to radon is entirely preventable and if high levels are detected in your home, there are steps which can be taken to protect you and your family.

Radon is found in every state of the country, contrary to what you may have heard in the past. It is a radioactive gas which is emitted as uranium, which is found in soil, decays. The gas rises through the ground reaching the air above through cracks in your home’s foundation where it becomes trapped and builds up within the walls of your house. Any home, new or old, with or without a basement, can test high for radon.

If your home uses well water, learn more about radon in water and what you can do to ensure your safety.

This month, put testing your home for radon at the top of your to do list and make sure you check it off! It’s easy and inexpensive. The National Safety Council offers a discount coupon for a radon safety kit (either long or short term). Kits can also be ordered directly from NSC’s Helpline at (800) 557-2366 (credit cards only). Some states also offer discounted and even free kits to help you test your home for radon.

There is no known safe level of radon in your home, but risks can be reduced if high levels are found. Solutions can be as simple as sealing cracks in your foundation and crawl spaces or as complex as a soil suction radon reduction system. Check out the brochure for more information.

Now that you know more about radon and its silent effects on health, spread the word. Tell your friends and neighbors about how they can obtain test kits. Just as radon is found in every state, it can be found in one home and not another, even if they are neighbors. Want to make an even bigger impact? Share your new knowledge with your local newspaper by writing a letter to the editor encouraging readers to obtain test kits too.

Did you know that January is also National Hot Tea Month and National Oatmeal Month? We live and learn.