State health officials are sounding the alarm over the potential dangers of radon gas in your home during the winter months. “Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless radioactive gas so the only way if we really know if it’s at elevated levels in our homes is to test for it”, says Adrienne Moody Radon and Indoor Air Quality Program Manager for DHHS.
She says it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer behind second hand smoke. Radon comes from the ground soil up into homes through air pressure differential and can get trapped in homes and buildings. It exposes people who live and work inside, increasing their risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
Moody says you can purchase a test kit in a hardware store or online. If the test results show that the radon levels are high enough and if there is a need to reduce radon in the space, contact the state radon office at (402) 471-1005 to help find a qualified or state-certified radon contractor in the area to remedy the problem.
When the kits arrive set them up and leave them alone for a few days. They absorb some of the air in your home, then you package them up and send them into the laboratory to receive your result.
- Increase the airflow in any area by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. However, natural ventilation in any type of house is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
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