Radon in the News

Radon awareness is increasing every year. There is plenty of news about the dangerous health risk caused by Radon Gas in our homes. Listed below are recent news headlines about Radon, so you can lean more about the second leading cause of Lung Cancer, and the leading cause of this disease among non-smokers.

New York Times, July 12, 2010

"An estimated 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year result from chronic exposure to radon, a radioactive gas in dirt and rocks that can seep into the air inside homes, offices and schools. Radon is second only to smoking as a known cause of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all homeowners get a radon-detection kit — and, if levels are elevated (as they are in 1 out of 15 homes in this country), install a radon-reduction system."

FastFreeNews.com, July 20, 2010

"Radon is a gas, that is radioactive, does not have an odor like other gases; it is colorless, and also tasteless. High levels of exposure to radon is known to cause major health risks. Radon is known to cause lung cancer. It doesn’t matter if the person is a non-smoker or smoker, radon is the number one cause for lung cancer in non smokers. Overall it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in people that are exposed to it. It causes and is responsible for over 20,000 deaths by lung cancer every year. Recent studies have shown that there is direct evidence of radon in homes to lung cancer."

Journal Advocate July 12, 2010

"Funds are still available to fund an individual who wants to become certified to do radon mitigation. The funds are offered by Colorado State University Extension in northeast Colorado through a grant from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment."

"The funds cover the $595 cost of the mitigation course from Center for Environmental Research and Technology Institute(CERTI), certification examination fees, and the first year membership in American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists(AARST)."

wausaudailyherald.com, July 16, 2010

"Radon is a gas that occurs naturally when uranium in soil and rocks breaks down. Because air pressure in the home is usually lower than the pressure in the soil, a house can act like a vacuum and draw radon into the home. Radon also can be found in well water."

"Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Marathon County is considered a hot spot in the United States because of high levels of granite in our area. Smokers and former smokers and young children with developing lungs are especially a high risk."

"It is estimated that 1 out of 15 homes in the country have elevated radon levels. The Environmental Protection Agency and the surgeon general have recommend that homes be tested for radon levels. It is further recommended that homes with a radon reading of 4 or more pCi/L (picocuries of gas per liter of air) use a radon reduction technique to reduce that level."

Over the years every time radon related blips and blurbs are aired on radio and TV, and written about in newspapers and magazines, the EPA becomes simultaneously overwhelmed with phone calls. There is no more uncertainty regarding radon as a major public health issue. The fact is we all need to test and get the problem fixed if necessary. We are very fortunate that radon can in almost all case be mitigated to a level that is not considered unsafe.

It is safe and easy to test your home with a test kit or electronic detector.

Test your home for Radon today!