Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up inside buildings. After smoking, it ranks second among causes of lung cancer in this country, so a simple test is a smart habit for any homeowner or renter with ground-level living space.
The scale of the problem
Federal estimates say close to one home in 15 has radon levels high enough to warrant repairs, and that the gas is behind about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Of those, around 2,900 were people who had never smoked. Elevated readings have turned up in every state. Only a test can tell you what is happening in your own house.
How to test
- Buy a low-cost kit online or at a home improvement store, or hire a certified professional.
- Place it on the lowest level you use, such as the basement or ground floor, since levels tend to be highest there.
- Follow the kit directions closely. A short-term test is quick to set up, with results available in a few days.
What the result means
Federal health officials advise taking action when a home measures 4 picocuries per liter or higher. If a first result is high, follow up with a second test before deciding on repairs.
Fixing a problem
Bring in a professional trained in radon reduction to select the right system. Some systems use special fans and venting to push gas outdoors, and they can cut levels by up to 99 percent.
Smoking and radon
The risks compound. Estimates suggest about 62 in 1,000 smokers exposed to radon over a lifetime would die of lung cancer, compared with about 7 in 1,000 people who never smoked. Quitting smoking and testing for radon both lower risk.
Filed under: Washington DC Home & Garden News
