January is National Radon Action Month! That means it’s the perfect time for you to take action to confirm the status of radon in your home to protect the health and safety of your family.

Health risks related to radon:

·      Radon exposure can have serious health implications for you and your family.

·      According to EPA Estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

·      Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

·      Your risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends mostly on:

o  How much radon is in your home

o  The amount of time you spend in your home

o  Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked

Despite the prevailing scientific evidence and consensus regarding the risks of radon exposure, many people are still not convinced due to having heard any number of the “myths” that have existed about radon. The following list (excerpted from the EPA's “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon”) addresses some of the most common ones:

MYTH: Scientists aren’t sure radon really is a problem.

FACT: Scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year.

MYTH: Radon only affects certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affect radon levels. However, radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test. Relatively high concentrations are commonly found in the midwestern states, including Nebraska and Iowa.

MYTH: A neighbor’s test result is a good indication of whether your home has a problem.

FACT: It’s not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult, inaccurate, time-consuming, and expensive.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. A professionally conducted 48-hour Continuous Radon Test provides an accurate report radon test for an economical cost.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems can’t be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. The cost of radon mitigation by a Certified Mitigation Company will depend on the size and design of the

home.

Acuity can help you make an informed decision, protect your family, and provide peace of mind about the actual radon status of your home. Schedule yours today!