Radon Impacts Indoor Air Quality

When you think of dangers in the home or office, radon is not one usually on the top of most people’s lists. However radon is responsible for an estimated 20,000 deaths per year in the United States, with lung cancer being a known effect from exposure.

What is radon? Radon is an invisible gas, both tasteless and odorless. It is produced from the decay of natural occurring uranium in soil and water, and may accumulate in homes, commercial buildings, and drinking water. It usually gets into a building, impacting the indoor air quality, through cracks, gaps, and/or joints in the structure or substructure as well as hidden cavities and a building’s water supply.

The State of Ohio falls into the moderate-high zones for potential elevated radon levels. It is recommended all homes be tested for radon, and if in the market for a new home be sure to ask if the home as been tested. Although many homes today are built to prevent radon from coming in, it is still a good idea to have testing done.

Thankfully, testing for radon is easy. You can purchase a test kit yourself or hire a qualified radon testing company. If there is a radon problem, it probably can be fixed for about the same amount of money as other common home repairs.

For more information about radon, how to obtain a test kit, or find a qualified testing company, visit the EPA’swebsite along with the State of Ohio’s website.