Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you live in or around Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Kaukauna, Neenah-Menasha or Appleton, you need to know what the Surgeon General has to say about the importance of Radon removal systems and testing.
The U.S. Surgeon issued this General Health Advisory in January 2005:
“Indoor Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques.”
- Radon decay products can only enter your body by breathing.
- The damage is done over an extended period of time.
- Radon cannot be seen and doesn’t have any odor.
- Radon can easily be eliminated from your home.
- Get your home tested if you do not know its Radon level.
- The EPA and Surgeon General recommend having your home tested.
- Select a Radon mitigation contractor that has the proper training and certification.
Radon comes from the natural break down of Uranium in the soil. As Uranium breaks down into other elements, it eventually becomes Radon gas, which enters the home through the slab, basement, or crawl space. Radon gas breaks down and gives off a small Alpha radiation particle that can be inhaled. When this particle lands on your lungs and decays, there is a small amount of damage done. If this continues over an extended period of time, it can eventually do great harm. This is why the EPA suggests that you get your Radon level tested.
