January is Radon Action Month
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which has always been a part of our environment. It's a natural decay product of uranium and is found in soil everywhere in varying concentrations. Radon has been identified as the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The risk of developing lung cancer from elevated levels of radon is ten times more than exposure to second-hand smoke; resulting in approximately 21,000 deaths in the
Radon can move easily through soil and tiny cracks in rock. When it reaches the surface of the soil, it disperses and is diluted to very low levels in the outdoor environment. However, when the gas moves upward through soil beneath a home, it may enter through cracks or other openings in the foundation and build up to unacceptable levels. It cannot be detected without testing because the gas is invisible and has no odor. The greater the concentration and the longer a person is exposed, the greater the risk. All homeowners are encouraged to test for this gas and if levels are elevated, residents are urged to consider remediation.
Homeowners can test for radon themselves or hire a