INDIANA — As summer temperatures rise, many families are spending more time indoors with windows and doors closed and air conditioning running. While a cool, tightly sealed home offers relief from the heat, it can also allow an invisible threat to go unnoticed: radon gas.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, which means you cannot tell whether your home has elevated radon levels without testing.
Why Is Radon a Concern?
Radon is a serious health risk and is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The EPA estimates that radon exposure is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
People can be exposed to radon anywhere, but the greatest exposure often occurs at home because that is where people spend much of their time. Smokers who are also exposed to radon face an even greater risk of developing lung cancer.
How Does Radon Get Into a Home?
Radon can enter a home through a variety of openings and pathways, including:
- Cracks in solid floors and walls
- Construction joints
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Spaces around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The home’s water supply
Because radon cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste, homeowners should not wait for a warning sign before taking action.
The Only Way to Know Is to Test
The EPA recommends testing your home to determine whether radon levels are elevated. Testing is relatively simple and can be done with a radon test kit.
When using a test kit:
- Follow the instructions included with the kit.
- Leave the test in place for the amount of time specified on the package.
- Once testing is complete, reseal the package and send it to the laboratory listed on the kit as soon as possible.
- Test results are generally available within a few weeks.
Homeowners can find information about obtaining a radon test kit through the EPA’s radon resources.
What If Radon Levels Are High?
If testing shows that your home has elevated radon levels, don’t panic. Radon problems can be addressed through a radon mitigation system.
The EPA recommends hiring a qualified professional to install a mitigation system. Homeowners can contact their state radon program for information about finding qualified radon professionals in their area.
A Simple Step for a Safer Home
Summer is a good reminder to protect your family from more than just extreme heat. Because radon is impossible to see or smell, testing is the only way to know whether it is present at potentially dangerous levels in your home.
Beat summer’s heat — and radon too. Test your home for radon today.
