Protect Your Home and Family from Radon

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2016-01-13

Radon—the silent killer—is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages Americans around the country to test their homes for this naturally occurring radioactive gas. Winter is an especially good time to test because windows and doors are closed and families tend to spend more time inside where radon can be trapped.

“Radon—a serious health threat to our families and communities—can be easily avoided through testing,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Testing for radon will save thousands of lives, prevent burdensome health care costs, and make America’s homes and schools safer for future generations.”

EPA recommends four easy steps to protect your home from radon during cold winter months: First, learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit. Secondly, learn more about your state’s radon program and local radon activities. Next, encourage others to learn more about radon and test their homes. Lastly, buy a radon-resistant home by looking for builders who use radon-resistant construction.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Testing is the only way to know if a home has elevated levels of radon.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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