January is National Radon Action Month, and that means it’s time to test your house for radon, a radioactive gas.
Radon — colorless, odorless and tasteless — is an invisible killer. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The good news is that there are actions you can take today to protect your family.
Any home, anywhere, can have a radon problem. But it’s especially important to test your home here in the Heartland region where many of us live in areas designated as EPA Radon Zone One or Two, indicating high or moderate potential for elevated indoor radon levels. The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, the EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
One simple test can reveal whether a home has elevated levels of radon. Test kits are easy to use and most provide results within two weeks. Kits can easily be found online, in home improvement stores, or through state radon programs.
EPA Region 7 proudly partners with Kansas State University to support National Radon Program Services, a public health initiative that sells radon test kits to the public and answers toll-free radon hotlines.
For more information about radon testing, anyone may call 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) or visit https://www.epa.gov/radon/
It’s important to note that should you find a radon problem, it can be fixed. Radon reduction systems can reduce your home’s radon levels by up to 99%.
As you’re spending more time indoors this winter, take the time to “test your nest” — it may save your life, or that of your loved ones.
Commentary from the Desk of Regional Administrator Jim Macy
Jim Macy is the administrator for EPA Region 7, which consists of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations. He previously served in leadership roles at Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.
