Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive and deadly gas. It’s the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and it could be present in your home, schools or office.
January has been designated as National Radon Action Month by the EPA – a time to promote awareness, testing and mitigation in your area. In Tennessee, state agencies are getting involved. According to a joint-press release issued by the Tennessee Health Department and the state Department of Environment and Conservation, officials are encouraging Tennesseans to have their homes tested for radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through foundation cracks or openings. It’s invisible and odorless and high concentrations can cause health problems including lung cancer.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 70 percent of Tennesseans live in areas with high or moderate risk of radon.” Snippet courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle.
State officials in Tennessee recommend testing for radon now, while it’s cold. If you live in Tennessee and want to learn more about Radon and other state-level initiatives visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/osp/gi/radon
National Radon Action Month isn’t just for Tennesseans, radon exists in all states. In fact, both the the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon! Visit the EPA! Visit the EPA website to learn how you can get started. And remember, January is also a good time to inspect for other often unnoticed hazards like mold and poor indoor air quality.
Olshan Foundation is a proud supporter of National Radon Action Month and we encourage you to join us by simply helping spread the word to others. We will continue to bring you National Radon Action Month updates from around the web throughout January, so stay tuned and take action!