How To Protect Your Home From Radon

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Need to Know from SafeWise
  • January is Radon Action Month.
  • Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
  • Testing is the only way to detect radon levels.

As winter storms and natural disasters continue to capture our attention, there's another invisible danger to be concerned about—Radon. January has been designated as National Radon Action Month by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shedding light on this silent but deadly threat. If you're like many people who have heard of radon but don't know much about it, you're not alone. This article will provide a crash course on radon and valuable resources to ensure your home remains safe.

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Installation of a radon mitigation system for house improvement by laser measurement in the basement.

Image: Alex Potemkin, iStock

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a byproduct of uranium. Unlike some other hazardous gases, radon is undetectable by our senses; you can't see, smell, or taste it. It is present in both the air we breathe and the groundwater beneath our homes.

Why is radon dangerous?

Radon poses a grave threat to our health—it's the primary cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for approximately 21,000 American deaths every year. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can have devastating health consequences, making it a critical concern for homeowners.

Does my home have high radon levels?

Testing is the only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels. Fortunately, it's usually easy and affordable to test for radon. You can purchase a radon testing kit or detector to use in your home. These kits are readily available and straightforward to use, offering a simple and effective way to safeguard your family.

What do I do if I detect dangerous levels of radon in my home?

If your radon test reveals high gas levels, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your family's health. Contact a qualified contractor experienced in radon mitigation. They will assess your home, seal any foundation cracks that allow radon to enter, and install a ventilation system to improve air circulation, effectively reducing Radon levels.

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Get help with radon mitigation

Have a specific question about radon in your home or area? You can find a radon professional in your state.

How much does radon mitigation cost?

While the cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each home, the average expense typically falls around $500. This investment in your family's health is well worth it when you consider the life-threatening risks associated with Radon exposure.

Although Radon testing may not have been on your list of priorities for January, it's an important safety measure that shouldn't be overlooked. Protect your loved ones by testing your home for radon and, if necessary, investing in mitigation measures. And radon isn't the only invisible danger lurking in our homes. To stay safe, healthy, and happy this year, consider exploring additional resources such as gas leak detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Don't let this silent threat go unnoticed. Prioritize radon testing and ensure your home remains a safe haven for you and your family.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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