January is Radon Action Month

It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible, and it just might be an unwelcome guest in your home.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s found in nearly all soils.

Radon filters up through the soil and into the air and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, loosely-fitted pipes, and the water supply. When the gas becomes trapped inside and builds up, it can pose a health risk.

Fortunately, radon testing is easy and inexpensive. Radon test kits are available online or in many home improvement stores, or you can purchase a discounted test kit from the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University (sosradon.org). Two types of test kits are available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Short-term kits, which measure radon for two to 90 days; and long-term kits, which measure radon over 90 days and can tell you your home’s average year-round level.

Radon is measured in units of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air, according to the CDC. A very low level is normal, but the EPA recommends taking action for any result between 2 and 4 pCi/L. You can increase airflow by opening windows and using fans to circulate air, and sealing cracks in floors and walls with plaster and caulk specifically designed to block radon. After you complete the necessary repairs, conduct another radon test.

If your home tests above 4 pCi/L, you may need a radon reduction system installed. Contact your state radon office (sosradon.org/state-radon-contact-map) to find a licensed radon mitigation specialist.