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
