Radon Action Month: Act Now for a Safer Home

During January, the Department of Environmental Protection is recognizing National Radon Action Month by encouraging residents to act to protect their homes and families. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. It is released from soils and disperses outdoors, but can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings.

Unsafe levels of radon can lead to serious illness.According to the Surgeon, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind smoking. But, simple fixes in a home or building can lower human health risks from the gas. January is an especially good time to test homes and schools because windows and doors are closed tightly and people spend more time indoors.

Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores or directly from radon testing companies. Many are priced under $25. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors, with repairs typically costing between $800 and $2,500.

See more information on radon, testing, mitigation and radon-resistant new construction.

Read the news release.