Winter is an ideal time for Kansas residents to test their homes for indoor radon gas concentrations, either for the first time or to make sure an installed radon mitigation system is adequately controlling indoor radon levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends actively reducing radon levels in homes when they are confirmed at or above 4 picocuries of radon per liter of air (pCi/L).
Radon is a natural, tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas produced from the decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. Radon gas moves from the ground under and around your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Current data indicates that one in four houses in Kansas may have elevated levels. In some counties this rate may be higher.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Given the increased potential for lung cancer the radon hazard brings, Kansans should be asking themselves, “Have we tested our home for radon yet?”
Visit the Post Rock District’s website, http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/home-family/home-care/, to access radon information and resources. You can purchase a low-cost radon test kit from any Post Rock District Office.
By: Nora Rhoades
