Why You Should Test Your Home for Radon This January
January is National Radon Action Month, a good time to learn about a silent indoor air risk that affects many homes right here in Maine.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see, smell or taste, but it can build up inside your home and harm your health. When radon gas gets trapped indoors, it releases tiny radioactive particles that you can breathe into your lungs. Over long periods of exposure, radon can increase your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve never smoked.
According to the American Lung Association, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Maine has higher average radon levels than many other states, and studies show that a large number of Maine homes have levels above what is considered safe by national health experts. That means many families could be at risk without knowing it.
Because radon is invisible and doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, the only way to know if you have high levels in your home is to test for it. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive, and test kits are available online or through state radon programs.
What you can do this month:
Test your home for radon. You can purchase an easy test kit or ask your local health department about free or low-cost options.
Fix (mitigate) your home if levels are high. There are proven ways to reduce radon levels and protect your family.
Talk to others. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to test their homes, too.
Indoor air quality is a key part of overall health. Recognizing and reducing radon exposure can help protect your lungs and prevent chronic disease down the road. Start the new year off right by checking the air in your home. You could help protect your family’s health for years to come.
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