Top 5 Radon Myths

Top 5 Common Radon Myths

Radon is a radioactive gas and exposure to it causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year—only smoking causes more. Because you can’t see, smell or taste radon, it’s important to periodically test the air in your home. If you believe you live in a region not affected by radon, I am here to debunk that and 4 other common radon myths:

Myth 1: Scientists have not proven radon is a deadly carcinogen
Fact: Some scientists do dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon however, all the major health organizations (like the CDC, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and The World Health Organization) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.

Myth 2: Radon testing is difficult and expensive.
Fact: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Hiring a radon professional will ensure your results will be most accurate. Either way testing is relatively less expensive than other home repairs

Myth 3: Homes with radon problems can’t be fixed.
Fact: A qualified and properly licensed and certified radon contractor should be able to fix your radon problem and lower your radon exposure below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Most states have license or certification requirements for radon professionals. To find out what your state requires, check with your state health department.

Myth 4: Radon affects only older homes
Fact: The source of radon actually has nothing to do with the home itself rather the soil the lies underneath it. Radon comes from uranium deposits found in our soil. This means any home regardless of age or style of home (homes without basements) can also have high radon levels.

Myth 5: There is no radon where I live
Fact: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon concentrations do vary from area to area but every state still has a potential to test high for radon gas. The only way to know your radon level is to test your home.

Radon is a serious public health issue that should be addressed by every homeowner. Unlike other environmental hazards your exposure to radon can be limited. Test your home and if necessary have a radon mitigation system installed. Don’t become a statistic!

By Jessica Karns