So, is radon really a health risk? This is a question we hear often at Certified Radon. The answer is yes. The dangers of radon are real for families living in homes with high concentrations of this radioactive gas. In fact, the American Lung Association has determined that radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States – second only to smoking. Radon exposure is responsible for an estimate 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.1 This is something we take seriously and drives everything we do to help our customers protect their families. We focus on the facts, not fear.
Radon is a silent threat.
Radon cannot be detected by odor, taste, or sight. Symptoms of radon exposure are not immediate, but the long-term threat is substantial. Most of us associate lung cancer with smoking, but non-smokers make up 2,900 of the estimated 21,000 radon-related cancer deaths annually.1 The hazard occurs as radon decays and emits radioactive particles that can be inhaled. Once inhaled in the lungs, these particles infiltrate your cells with cancer-causing radiation. Risk is elevated for smokers and those with other existing lung disease.2
The good news.
While the impact of radon is worrisome, the steps to protecting your family are simple. Start by testing your home. You can set a short-term test yourself, but for the most accurate reading, we recommend having an industry-certified professional technician conduct a test in your home – even if you don’t use Certified Radon. Regular radon testing is recommended every 1 to 2 years, as levels can fluctuate.
What if radon levels test high?
If your test results come back above recommended safe levels, there is a remedy. Installation of a radon mitigation system will remove radon from your home. Mitigation systems are affordable, especially when you consider the health impact on your family and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the air in your home is safe from radon.
Take action now.
October 17-23 is National Radon Action Week. During the upcoming cold-weather months we will all be spending more time indoors. Now is a great time to schedule testing, and – if necessary – installation of a mitigation system. For more information, give us a call at 816.587.3500 or visit our website www.CertifiedRadonKC.com and take the steps to protect your family.
Sources:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon Health Risks. Accessed August 19, 2016.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2012. Tox FAQs for Radon. Accessed August 27, 2015.
