RADON:
THE LEADING CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER DEATHS IN NON-SMOKERS
RADON is a
colorless and odorless gas found in nearly all soils. Radon
exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and
is responsible for at least 22,000 deaths each year. Radon moves
from underground into homes where it may accumulate to dangerous
levels. Sadly, there are no symptoms of radon exposure prior to the
development of lung
cancer.
Midwestern
states have the greatest number of homes with elevated radon.
Recent testing of hundreds of homes in La Crosse County found more
than 30% of dwellings exceeded the acceptable level (4.0 pCi/L).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin
Department of Health & Family Services recommend every home be
tested for radon.
Radon testing
is simple and inexpensive. Do-it-yourself test kits can be
purchased at La Crosse County Health Department for $5.00. Short
term detectors are placed in the home for 2 to 7 days and are useful
for screening purposes. Long term detectors are used to confirm any
short term tests that exceed 4 pCi/L. Long term detectors are
placed in the home for 90 to 365 days.
Elevated radon
can be reduced to safe levels by installing a radon mitigation
system. Radon mitigation should be done by trained professionals
who are certified by National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
More information about certified individuals can be obtained by
calling 800-269-4174 or visit the website
www.lowradon.org Installed Radon mitigation systems usually
cost $1000 - $1600.
For more
information about testing and mitigation, consult a
Wisconsin Radon Information Center at 888-low-radon
or visit
www.lowradon.org . There are 12 Radon Information Centers
located throughout Wisconsin. The Southwest Radon Information Center
is located within La Crosse County Health Department and serves La
Crosse and Monroe Counties. A nationally certified radon
measurement and mitigation professional is on staff and available
for free consultation.
For more information visit:
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/
www.lowradon.org
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