Take Action Against Radon this month

Alabama has 15 counties that have been identified as having some of the highest levels of radon in the country. Madison and Colbert counties have the greatest problems. Other counties identified with problems include Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan, Shelby, and Talladega.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas released in rock, soil and water from the natural decay of uranium. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes about 20,000 deaths from lung cancer in the United States annually. Exposure to indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.

Protecting the health of all Americans against the threat of radon gas begins with testing your home.

Fortunately, scientists have provided tools that help protect us from radon, such as a simple test that determines the level of exposure in our homes, schools and other buildings. Testing for and measurement of this dangerous gas in the indoor air we breathe is simple, inexpensive and effective. If elevated levels are detected, there are simple, cost effective steps that can be taken to reduce concentrations to acceptable levels.

Testing kits are available from county Extension offices in all of the 15 radon-active Alabama counties. For more information on how to get a kit and test for radon in your home, contact your county Extension office.

January is National Radon Action Month. It is a perfect time to learn more about the health risks posed by radon, to test your home, school and business for it, and when warranted, take steps to reduce exposure to it.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at January 28, 2005 08:31 AM