January is National Radon Action Month
In the US, radon gas causes more than 20,000 deaths each year. This odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the first leading cause among non-smokers. Help protect you and your family by testing your home for radon during January- National Radon Action Month.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, gas that is natural in soil and rock. Radon enters buildings through cracks in the basement, walls and gaps around pipes. Both old and new buildings can have unsafe radon levels.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services estimates that one out of every 10 homes has high radon levels of greater than 4 pCi/L.
“Since we live in a region with naturally high levels of radon, everyone should test their home,” says Meghan Williams, Environmental Health Specialist for Lincoln County Health Department. “The only way to know if your home has unsafe levels is to test for it.
Testing is inexpensive and easy. Testing can be completed in a Do-It-Yourself fashion. Radon test kits are available for purchase at most hardware stores.
Radon levels can be lowered in any home, and new houses can be built to be radon-resistant. This involves installing a system to vent the radon gas outside and get it out of the building. Even very high levels can be dropped to acceptable levels. Certified contractors in Wisconsin can be found on the Department of Health Services website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/radon-proficiency.htm
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the Lincoln County Health Department, 715-536-0307, or the Northern Wisconsin Radon Information Center toll-free at 1-888-569-7236 (LOW- RADON). For more information about Lincoln County Health Department’s programs and services, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find us on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always working for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.