January is Radon Action Month

From Clean Air Partnerships of Tennessee:
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that claims tens of thousands of lives each year. It is naturally-occurring and comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks entering homes through cracks in basements, foundations, and floor drains. Radon can build to unhealthy levels, especially during colder months when windows and doors are kept closed.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers; the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking in the US and in the world.

When radon is trapped in buildings and concentrations of the gas build up indoors, exposure becomes a concern. Breathing indoor air with radon can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer.

Often homes are not tested because you can’t see, smell or taste radon. Yet, it is the most potent carcinogen in your home. While testing for radon is encouraged when buying or selling a home, recent consumer research indicates that up to 80% of American homes still need to be tested.

According to the EPA, radon-related deaths can be prevented. The National Academy of Sciences and the EPA estimate that in the US 21,000 people die each year from radon-induced lung cancer.

The EPA estimates that over 70% of Tennessee’s population lives in high and moderate risk radon areas, with nearly 50% of the population living in high risk areas.

The good news is a simple home test, costing around $25 can detect radon in the home. Those test kits can be purchased at many of your local home improvement stores or online. The state of TN is also offering free test kits on their website.

If the test comes back with high radon results, there are qualified professionals who can fix the problem in your home. The EPA has a website that can help. Go to www.epa.gov/radon for more information.