Homeowners are encouraged to have homes tested for radon.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 20,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon. It is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in most soil and is tasteless, colorless and odorless. It can build up in homes without anyone ever knowing it. An air test must be performed in order to determine if radon is present. Nearly one-third of Indiana counties have predicted average indoor radon levels. If high levels are detected, licensed contractors can eliminate the problem.
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the American Lung Association are partnering to provide county health departments throughout Indiana with free radon test kits for distribution. Kits can also be purchased at most hardware stores.
To learn more about radon, visit the ISDH’s radon page at http://www.in.gov/isdh/24346.htm and the EPA’s “Citizen’s Guide to Radon” at https://www.epa.gov/radon/publications-about-radon.
