Radon is a noble gas found on the periodic table. It occurs naturally as other elements such as uranium and radium decay. The resulting gas, radon, is radioactive, odorless and colorless.
Surgeon General's health advisory...
"Indoor radon 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 county," Dr. Carmona said. "It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. It can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."
You can't see or smell it, but you do have it in your home.
How can I be so sure? Because it is a naturally occurring gas that emanates from the soil, ground water and even the oceans of the world.
A zero level is not possible, even outside. Regrettably chances are that your indoor radon level is quite a bit higher than out on your back porch.
When we build a house, we dig a hole in the ground in order to place the foundation for a building in it. We have in effect taken the "cork" (top soil and vegetation) out of a portion of the earth.
Next, we build a dwelling that is as air tight as possible. So we have just corked the earth with our house and we now live inside of it.
All appears to be safe and secure, but... houses breathe. Actually a house is like a big vacuum cleaner.
Think of it this way... We heat our homes in the winter. Where does the warm air go? It rises up through the roof and a portion of the air that is released is replaced or suctioned into our homes from the ground beneath the foundation. This condition also occurs whenever the wind blows or the barometric pressure changes.
The result is that gases found in the soil in the vicinity of your basement will enter your home through cracks and penetrations in the basement floor and walls.
I can't begin to tell you how many people there are that just cannot bring themselves to do this simple inexpensive 2-7 day test.
Why? Here might be a couple of reasons.
We hear about global warming, plastic islands in the ocean and deforestation all the time. We also hear the warnings loud and clear telling us what these situations will lead to. But...
When was the last time you heard about radon? Maybe you just did and that's what brought you here, but why haven't you heard about it before?
Check out the following quotes...
"Consider the danger of radon gas. If there is one environmental problem that is real, it is radon...there is no hysteria over radon... because it's natural..."
- Rush Limbaugh, 1992
"Radon is natural. Radon is not a by-product of industrial or consumer activities. Because there is no one to “blame,” it has been difficult to inflame the passions of the public. Even outdoor air has some amount of radon in it."
- Kent Jeffreys
You can find low cost radon testing products right here in our store. All test are 100% EPA approved and easy to use. You can order online and have the package within just a few days. Click here to go there now.
My mom remarried some years back. Her new husband had just lost his wife of many years to lung cancer. This woman had never smoked or even worked outside of the home.
Mom and Ralph lived happily for about 10 years. He developed heart problems and passed away.
After a year or so, Mom decided to sell the house that Ralph and his former wife had lived in for 30+ years...
The new buyer had a radon test done and the level came back at 14pCi/L more than 3 times the EPA's action level of 4pCi/L.
Needless to say, Mom has a new worry added to her life, after spending 12+ years in that house. She did have a short-term charcoal test done before buying her new home and had the seller mitigate the house before she purchased it. The level was 12pCi/L.
Mom is now well informed on the dangers of this cancer causing gas.
Sad to say this kind of experience is what it takes to get some people's attention.
Radon is a real threat to your family's health. A simple test can give you peace of mind. Just do it! Test your home for radon!
Fast Facts | How to Test | Understanding Radon Levels | Health Dangers | United States Risk Map | Major Risks for Smokers | Test Kit Guide
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