What Is Radon?
Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon. Radon is a worldwide health risk in homes. Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low- and medium-dose exposures in people’s homes.
No matter where you are in America, your home may be exposed to dangerous radon gas. Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that is produced when uranium in the Earth’s crust decays and turns into radium.
Outdoors, radon will naturally dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere as it rises through the crust. But in homes, it can become trapped, which is dangerous for the health of you and your family. Radon is colorless and odorless, and it is extremely carcinogenic. According to the EPA, radon is one of the leading contributors to the development of lung cancer, behind only smoking. For this reason, regular radon testing is key whether you’re a homeowner, or you’re interested in purchasing a home.
Why Are Radon Tests Important?
The biggest benefit of radon testing is peace of mind. Radon has no smell, taste, or color, and beyond contributing to the development of lung cancer, radon exposure has no symptoms that can be identified by a doctor. That means a radon test is the only way to make sure your home has a safe level of radon.
Radon tests can also save you money if you’re trying to sell your home because you can provide information about radon levels to potential buyers, and ensure you meet local codes related to radon compliance. The EPA also recommends that you test for radon when buying a home. That way, if high levels of radon are detected, you can request that the home seller install mitigation features, or you can back out of the purchase by utilizing your home inspection contingency.
Test Your Home And Keep Your Family Safe
A 48 hour short-term test is the only way to be sure that your home is safe from the dangerous effects of radon. So don’t wait. Schedule an inspection today, and make sure your home is free of this potentially-deadly, radioactive gas.
