The Importance of Radon Testing

The need for Radon Testing is clear...
Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. But this doesn’t rule out the possibility of finding it in your home. Lung cancer has been associated with extended inhalation of radon. So much so that the Surgeon General of the U.S. has stated the metal as being the second leading of lung cancer in the Country.

RADON EXPOSURE AND LUNG CANCER
EPA estimates reveal that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smoking individuals, and it is overall the second most likely cause of lung cancer. Reports also put radon-linked lung cancer deaths at 21,000 annually, about 2900 deaths of which occur among non-smoking sufferers. To check the scourge, U.S Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona issued a national health advisory on radon on January 13, 2005.
The following recommendations have been given by the EPA:
1.     Ensure to test for radon before buying or selling a home.
2.   Verify if your new home was built using radon-resistant construction materials and whether it is also certified radon free.
3.     Have your home fixed when radon concentration is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
4.     As they are subtly hazardous even at concentrations less than 4 pCi/L, consider removing the gas if it is identified in your home.
5.     Radon testing should be done with non-interfering devices.
STUDIES Linking RADON IN HOMES TO LUNG CANCER
Two studies conducted in North America and Europe, building on existing studies on residential areas, confirmed the health risks of radon following occupational studies of underground miners who were exposed to radon for an extended period.
Some experts had previously questioned the viability of proving radon risks using occupational studies as a bedrock for establishing home related risks. Former Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division Tom Kelly notes that “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” and also says “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”

conduct TEST FOR RADON
Drawing on established risks associated with radon inhalation, following the Surgeon General and EPA’s recommendation by having your home tested for radon can only be a good first step.  Relying on state, local or neighborhood estimates of radon levels is not advised when estimating radon risks in your home since homes may have starkly different radon levels. 

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