January is Radon Action Month—a time to raise awareness and create action plans to reduce radon exposure. But what is radon, and why should you care? Let's break down what this gas is, why it matters, and how you can protect your home.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless gas in most soils. This gas can enter homes through cracks in floors or walls, gaps around pipes, and other openings. It gets trapped indoors because there are no outdoor vents. Over time, high levels of radon exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. That's why January has been deemed "Radon Action Month" by state and federal agencies—so that everyone understands the potential dangers of elevated radon levels in their homes.
How Can I Protect My Home from Radon?
The first step in protecting your home from radon is having a licensed professional test for it. If the levels are too high (4 pCi/L or higher), consider fixing your home with a mitigation system. A mitigation system helps reduce the amount of radon that enters your home by creating a vacuum effect on the underside of the slab foundation and expelling it safely away from your living area through a vent pipe system connected to the roofline above. Additionally, sealing cracks in floors or walls and adding insulation around pipes can also help lower radon levels. Colorado now requires licensed contractors to install these systems.
Furthermore, educating yourself on state regulations for testing or installation requirements can ensure you make informed decisions about protecting your home from this harmful gas before it becomes too late. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has programs like Homeowner's Guide To Radon Reduction that can help guide you through this process step by step and provide resources for additional information regarding radon safety measures.
Radon Action Month is an important reminder of the potential health risks associated with this toxic gas. Although undetectable without proper testing equipment and not always top-of-mind when considering air quality in our homes, it's essential to understand what steps we need to take to protect ourselves from its potentially hazardous effects over time - especially since elevated levels have been found in homes across all 50 states! Testing annually for radon levels gives us peace of mind knowing we have taken all necessary steps toward protecting our homes and loved ones against this invisible danger that lurks beneath us each day we live in them!
