What is Radon?
Radon is the gas produced from the breakdown of uranium deep within the earth. As this gas escapes the earth, it becomes trapped in our homes, schools, and office buildings. The gas seeps in through cracks in solid floors (concrete basements) and walls, gaps around service pipes, floors, and construction joints, and can be found in any home: new or old, brick or vinyl, one-story or two, basement or crawlspace. When we breathe the gas, the particles get trapped in our lungs and over time, damage our lung tissue increasing our risk of lung cancer. Only smoking carries a greater risk of lung cancer. If you smoke and your home has high levels of radon, your risk of lung cancer is greatly increased.
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Should you test for radon? |
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Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present significant health risk to your family. The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes has a high radon level at or above the recommended radon action level of 4 picoCuries (pCI/L) per liter of air. It is important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon levels in your home can be tested using a simple kit provided by the Mercer County Health Dept. and those homes with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques.
Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface and then it is too late.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association and National Safety Council all recommend testing your home for radon.
Free Test Kits are available to the public. Stop in and pick one up at the health department today!
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Radon Levels in Kentucky |
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Resources and Links |
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