January: National Radon Action Month—What You Need to Know
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. While radon is found everywhere, it can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for about 21,000 deaths annually.
Why January?
Winter months are ideal for testing radon levels because homes are sealed tightly against the cold. This creates an environment where radon levels can build up more easily, making January the perfect time to test your home.
How to Take Action
- Test Your Home: The only way to know if you have elevated radon levels is to test. Affordable radon test kits are available online and at most hardware stores. Alternatively, you can hire a certified radon professional to conduct the test or get your own monitor from the link below.
- Understand the Results: Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action if levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L. Even levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L may pose some risk, and mitigation can still be considered.
- Mitigate Elevated Levels: If testing reveals high radon levels, mitigation systems can reduce them. These systems typically involve venting radon from beneath your home’s foundation to the outside, ensuring it doesn’t accumulate indoors.
- Retest Periodically: Even after mitigation, periodic testing ensures your system remains effective and radon levels stay low.
A radon monitor dispatched for a radon test
The interior portion of a radon mitigation system
The exterior portion of a radon mitigation system
Spread the Word
Radon Action Month is also about raising awareness in your community. Share your knowledge with neighbors, encourage local schools to test for radon, or organize a radon awareness event. Every small step contributes to creating safer living environments for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Radon may be invisible, but its dangers are real. Testing and mitigating radon levels in your home can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and provide peace of mind for your family. This January, take action and make radon safety a priority. It’s a resolution that could save lives.
Helpful Resources
For a convenient and reliable way to monitor radon levels in your home, consider using a digital radon monitor. These devices provide real-time data and help ensure your indoor air remains safe.
Click here to see the radon monitor we recommend for all of our clients.