Exposure to radon gas is one of the major contributors to lung cancer nationally, yet many people are not aware that an easy-to-use test kit can tell them if their home has high radon levels, information provided Thursday by the Jefferson County Health Department notes.
Through its news release, the department cautions: “Radon causes more lung cancer among non-smokers than second-hand tobacco smoke. An estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year among non-smokers are caused by radon, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Surgeon General, and approximately 962 of these deaths are in Wisconsin. Fortunately, this cause of lung cancer is largely preventable, and the first step is to test your home. If elevated radon is found, it can be corrected with a radon mitigation system.”
According to the release, radon is an odorless, radioactive gas naturally present in the ground, which can enter buildings through their foundations.
Additionally, the release states: “One in 10 Wisconsin homes have elevated levels. Radon concentrations in the air can be measured with a test kit available from hardware stores and local public health agencies. Reducing radon exposure and radon-induced lung cancer in Wisconsin depends on encouraging and supporting all Wisconsinites in testing their home. About one-third of the state’s housing units are occupied by renters, and it is important for both property owners and tenants to be proactive about testing for radon.
“More than 100 radon mitigation contractors in Wisconsin are nationally certified to install radon mitigation systems if elevated radon levels are found. Thousands of systems are installed in existing homes in Wisconsin each year. Newly constructed homes should include features recommended by the National Association of Home Builders to reduce radon entry.”
Radon can be found in any home, and is found across the state, the release stated, adding that the only way to understand a homeowner or renter’s exposure within a home is through testing.
Radon testing kids are offered free of charge while supplies last through the Jefferson County Health Department, 1541 Annex Rd., Jefferson; the Watertown Department of Public Health, 515 S. First St. Watertown, and the Dodge County Health Department, 199 County Road DF, Juneau, according to the release.
For more information, visit: http://www.lowradon.org or contact the Radon Information Center for Watertown, and Dodge and Jefferson counties by phone: 920-262-8094 or email: health@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
A free radon detection kit, made available while supplies last through the Jefferson County Health Department, comes with sample collection and mailing instructions. Contributed photo.
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