Every year, thousands of people die from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon, the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, is responsible for about 21,000 deaths yearly.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, floor, walls, or pipes and build up to high levels.
If you are concerned about the radon level in your home, it is important to have your home tested for radon. If you have high levels of radon in your home, there are many things you can do to reduce the levels. Radon testing in Denver is easy and inexpensive. Mitigation systems are available for all types of homes. The cost of mitigation systems varies depending on the size and type of system needed. Mitigation systems typically last 10-15 years.
There are many myths about radon mitigation. Here are 9 of the most common myths:
1. Myth: Radon is not a problem in my area.
FACT: Anywhere there is uranium in the soil, there is radon potential. It is a national problem. Radon has been found in every state in the US. The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the US has high levels of radon. This means that about 6 million US homes have elevated radon levels.
2. Myth: My home has no radon problem because it is new.
FACT: New homes can have high levels of radon. As mentioned above, radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, floor, walls, or pipes. It is important to have your home tested for radon, regardless of age.
3. Myth: My home has no cracks or openings, so I don’t need to worry about radon.
FACT: Homes with well-sealed foundations can still have high levels of radon. Radon can enter your home through any opening, no matter how small. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to have it tested.
4. Myth: I don’t need to worry about radon because I live in a low-lying area.
FACT: Living in a low-lying area does not mean you are not at risk for high radon levels. Radon can be found in any home, in any room.
5. Myth: I don’t need to worry about radon because I live in a high-rise building.
FACT: Just because you live in a high-rise building does not mean you are not at risk for high radon levels. Radon levels in high-rise buildings can be even higher than in other facilities because the gas can become trapped.
6. Myth: I don’t need to worry about radon because I live in a rural area.
FACT: Just because you live in a rural area does not mean you are not at risk for high radon levels. Radon can be found in any home, in any room.
7. Myth: There is no proof that radon causes lung cancer.
FACT: There is plenty of proof that radon causes lung cancer. As mentioned, the EPA estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths yearly. That’s about 1 in 5 lung cancer deaths in the US. So, don’t take the chance on your health. Have your home tested for radon.
8. Myth: I don’t need to worry about radon because I am a nonsmoker.
FACT: Nonsmokers are just as much at risk for lung cancer from radon as smoke nonsmokers EPA esNonsmokersat nonsmokers exposed to high radon have a greater chance of lung cancer than smoknonsmokerse not exposed to high levels of radon.
9. Myth: Radon mitigation is too expensive.
FACT: The cost of mitigation varies depending on the size and type of system needed. Mitigation systems typically last 10-15 years. The cost of not mitigating your home could be much higher. If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, treatment costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These are 9 of the most common myths about radon mitigation. Don’t believe everything you hear. The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to have your home tested.
If you have any questions about radon or need help finding a qualified mitigator, please contact your local health department or the EPA’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON.
