As we round out the month of January, I wanted to take a moment to remind you all about Radon Action Month. Sure, you learned all about radon earlier in the month, but this is me reminding you that this really is a serious issue and if you haven’t already had your basements tested, you should.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announce the winners of a groundbreaking contest where they asked the public to create public service announcements educating about the effects of radon and the importance of protecting you and your family. The winning video and runners up are breathtaking works you must take a moment to see and another moment to pass along to your family and friends.
Check out the videos and send the link around to help spread the word about this often-overlooked cause of lung cancer in America.
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.
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.
