K-State Research and Extension

search

Tag: Home

Kansas Radon Action Month

Posted on by djbechard

January is Kansas Radon Action Month.  Winter is an excellent time to test your home for radon gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radioactive gas created by the decay of uranium in the earth’s crust and present everywhere on the planet. Testing for it is the only way of telling how much is present.

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon gas increases your lifetime risk for lung cancer.  Residential radon gas exposure is the number one leading cause of lung cancer death in the U.S. for non-smokers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends actively reducing indoor radon levels when homes are confirmed with 4.0 pCi/L or radon gas or higher.

Quick facts about radon:

  • Radon-induced lung cancer is the #1 cause of death in homes. 1 in 4 Kansas homes has high levels of radon.
  • Kansas law requires that all radon testing performed during real estate transactions be conducted by state-certified radon professionals.
  • The only way to know the radon level anywhere is to test. Radon test kits can be purchased at the Post Rock Extension District offices for $5.50/ea.
  • If your home has elevated radon levels, a radon mitigation system will reduce radon to below 4.0 pCi/L in 95% or more of homes.

 

By: Brenda Langdon

January is Kansas Radon Action Month

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

January 2021 is Kansas Radon Action Month.  With all of us spending more time in our homes, now is an excellent time to check for radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in the rock, soil and water. Testing for it is the only way of telling how much is present.

Radon enters our homes through cracks in the concrete floors and walls, floor drains and sump pits.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA recommends any house that tests 4.0 or over be mitigated to reduce radon levels.

Quick facts about radon:

  • Radon induced lung cancer is the #1 cause of death in homes. 1 in 4 Kansas homes has high levels of radon.
  • If you are buying or selling a home, Kansas law requires that all radon testing be conducted by state-certified radon professionals.
  • The only way to know the radon level anywhere is to test. Radon test kits can be purchased at the Post Rock District extension offices.
  • If your home has elevated radon levels you can have a radon mitigation system installed which will reduce radon to below 4.0.

By: Brenda Langdon

Kansas Radon Fall Outreach Campaign

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

With all of us spending more time at home, now is a good time to test your home for radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in the rock, soil and water. Testing for it is the only way of telling how much is present.

Radon enters our homes through cracks in the concrete floors and walls, floor drains and sump pits.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA recommends any house that tests 4.0 or over be mitigated to reduce radon levels.

Quick facts about radon:

  • Radon induced lung cancer is the #1 cause of death in homes. 1 in 4 Kansas homes has high levels of radon.
  • If you are buying or selling a home, Kansas law requires that all radon testing be conducted by state-certified radon professionals.
  • The only way to know the radon level anywhere is to test. Radon test kits can be purchased at the Post Rock District extension offices, or through K-State online at sosradon.org. Radon test kits can cost anywhere from $5 to $25 depending on where you purchase them.
  • If your home has elevated radon levels you can have a radon mitigation system installed which will reduce radon to below 4.0.

By: Brenda Langdon

Start 2020 with a Clean Fridge!

Posted on by Marci Metz

When we clean our kitchen, we may think about the dishes, oven/stove top, floors, etc. but sometimes we forget about one of the most important appliances…. the refrigerator! Get a fresh start to the year by deep cleaning your refrigerator by following these steps:

  1. Remove the food and keep it in an ice chest or another refrigerator.
  2. Unplug the fridge. Clean underneath and behind the appliance to remove dust.
  3. Remove drawers and shelves. Let glass shelves adjust to room temperature so they don’t crack. Wash with hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush to get into tight spaces.
  4. Wipe down the interior walls of the fridge and door shelves.
  5. Dry all surfaces with a clean towel or paper towels.
  6. Sanitize with a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid bleach in 1 gallon of water.
  7. Plug the fridge back in and put shelves and drawers in their spots.
  8. Restock the fridge and clean any containers and bottles. Toss anything past its prime and make a shopping list.
  9. Between cleanings, wipe up spills as they happen to keep the fridge as clean as possible.

Sources: www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/clean-refrigerator-steps.html and www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clean-home/room-room/cleaning-refrigerator

By: Ashley Svaty