the fitter Fitter: January is National Radon Action Month

Radon? What the heck is Radon?

If you grew up in granite country like I did, you probably grew up knowing radon gas existed. You probably already knew your home might have dangerous levels of radon. But, have you taken action to test the level in Home Sweet Home?

Well, we know it's a gas. The Surgeon General warns that it causes lung cancer. It can't be seen, smelled or tasted. 1 in every 6 U.S. homes has radon levels above the EPA guidelines. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. In fact, it is responsible for over 20,000 deaths annually. Frightening, right? So, why isn't there a law that protects us from this invisible, odorless, tasteless killer?

The Radon Abatement Act

There is a law to protect your family from the dangers of Radon Gas, however, concerned citizens in only a few states have forced their legislators to enforce that law. In 1988 Congress passed the Indoor Radon Abatement Act, the EPA was tasked with enforcement, Public Service Announcements are one way that the EPA works to raise awareness.

Take Action

Top 10 Finalist in the National Radon Program Poster Contest (Cameron, age 11 of Peotone, IL)

You change the batteries in your smoke alarms at Daylight Savings Time annually and check them, then go over your family's evacuation plan. Right? (If you forgot, then this is your reminder for that, too!) So, what can you do about Radon in your home? January is National Radon Action Month, that means that this is the perfect time to get your own Radon Test Kit. It's a great time to educate yourself about the facts and myths about this dangerous radioactive gas. The EPA recommended action level is 4 picoCuries/Liter (pCi/L). You can learn more about January Is Radon Action Month at epa.gov.

Watch the RadonAway educational video on Youtube to learn more.

4 Easy Things To Do During January Is Radon Action Month

Test Your Home - both the EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that every home be tested. Testing is easy and inexpensive.
Attend a National Radon Action Month activity in your area - Contact your state radon program here.
Spread the Word - spend time encouraging your friends and family to get educated and get their homes tested. Find out more about how to spread the word at EPA.gov.
Buy a Radon Resistant home by working with a Green Builder, or implement a radon abatement system in your existing home.

Dial 1-800-SOS-RADON, 1-800-55RADON, 1-800-644-6999 for the Radon Fix-It Hotline, or view the EPA's lis of other Hotlines for more information.

Print this infographic at GlobalPossibllities.org

How Does Radon Cause Lung Cancer?

Some alpha particles emitted by the decay of naturally occuring uranium adhere to dust and aerosols in the air and are deposited in our lungs as we breathe. Once in our lungs, these particles emit radiation, damaging surrounding tissue. An alpha particle is 100 x more likely to cause cancer than any other type of radiation once reaching the targeted cell.

Where Do I Get My Radon Testing Kit?

Get your First Alert Radon Home Test Kit shipped to your door.

You can pick up your own radon test kit at your local hardware store or home improvement store. Or, for your convenience, you can get your First Alert Home Radon Test Kit here. Do the test and mail it in, then, visit EPA.gov to help you determine what your test results mean. You can find the website here to learn more about your test results.

Who Can Fix My Home?
You can contact one or both of the following, privately-run, national radon programs:

National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) Toll Free: (800) 269-4174 or (828) 890-4117, Fax: (828) 890-4161, on the web at www.nrpp.info or via email at info@nrpp.info .

National Radon Safety Board (NSRB) Toll Free: (866) 329-3474, Fax: (914) 345-1169, on the web at www.nrsb.org, or via email at info@NRSB.org .
Contact your state radon program to ask for a list of qualified contractors in your area. Ask them if your state regulates or requires a contractor to carry special radon qualifications.