January is the month set aside to remind people of the potential danger of radon. One in 15 homes in our country are affected by high levels of radon. Radon invades homes, and office buildings, through foundation cracks. br
Radon is considered a carcinogen that comes from decayed radium and uranium in the soil. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Geographically, some areas of the country are more susceptible than others due to geological make up. Unfortunately, parts of Maryland are in the higher and intermediately high zones. (The Eastern Shore is the least likely area to see radon infestation.)
Home radon tests are available through some local health departments and at hardware centers. There are various types of test kits, but the long-term kits track the level of radon in your home for an extended period of time (usually three months to a year) for under $30. Pretty good investment.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.”
--Sarah Hagerty
