State Officials Urge Testing for Potentially Deadly Gas

Posted on January 11, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Hoosiers are urged to test their homes for a cancer-causing, radioactive gas during the month of January. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It’s responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. Smokers who are exposed to especially high radon levels are at an especially high risk for lung cancer.

Radon is a tasteless, colorless and odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It seeps through cracks and gaps in floors, walls and construction joints and around service pipes. It accumulates in the air within homes and in drinking water. Radon can be found throughout the United States and can get into any type of building. The greatest exposure risk is at home, where people spend the majority of their time.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams says testing for radon helps to determine how high levels are so immediate action can be taken if necessary to reduce them. He adds it makes sense to test homes that are winterized since gases are sealed in.

The EPA estimates nearly one of every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated radon level. If a high level is detected, licensed contractors can install mitigation systems to eliminate the problem and protect residents.

Testing is the only way to determine your home’s radon level. Test kits are available at local hardware and home stores and can be done within a few minutes. Adams says Hoosiers should retest their homes every two years.

Find more information on the Indiana State Department of Health’s radon page.