January is Radon Action Month: Protect Your Home and Health
Radon—a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas—might be lurking in your home without your knowledge. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (after smoking), this naturally occurring radioactive gas poses a serious health risk, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). What is Radon and How Does It Enter Your Home? Radon is found in nearly all soils, created from the natural breakdown of uranium. It rises through the soil into the air and can seep into homes through: Cracks in foundations Gaps around pipes Building materials Water supplies Once indoors, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of lung cancer for you and your family. Testing for Radon: An Easy First Step Fortunately, testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. You can purchase radon test kits: Online At home improvement stores From the National Radon Program Services (sosradon.org) at a discount Two types of tests are available: Short-term tests : Monitor radon...