LINCOLN COUNTY – In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is encouraging the public to test their homes for the odorless gas.
A release from LCHD said radon gas causes an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States.
“This odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause among people who do not smoke,” LCHD stated. “Radon is easy to overlook because you can’t see or smell it. Therefore, testing your home is an important step to protect your family’s health.”
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from rock, soil and water. It enters buildings through cracks in basements, walls and gaps around pipes.
LCHD said both old and new buildings can have unsafe radon levels, noting that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) estimates that one out of every 10 homes has high radon levels (greater than 4 pCi/L).
“Winter is the ideal time to test your home for radon,” said Michael Mandli, LCHD Environmental Health Specialist. “Homes are sealed tight during winter, allowing radon to accumulate more easily.”
LCHD said testing is important.
“It is easy, inexpensive and can be done yourself,” LCHD stated.
Radon test kits can be purchased at most hardware stores or online through the Northern Region Radon Information Center at www.tinyurl.com/yc7kuwbh.
Radon levels in any home can be lowered, and new houses can be built to be radon-resistant, according to LCHD.
“Even very high levels can be dropped to safe, acceptable levels,” LCHD said.
Certified contractors in Wisconsin can be found on the DHS website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/radon-proficiency.
For more information, call the Northern Wisconsin Radon Information Center toll-free at 1-888-569-7236 (LOW-RADON).
Learn more about radon at www.lowradon.org.
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