There's No Better Time to Test for Radon

Illinois & Missouri Residents Urged to Test for Radon During National Radon Action Month

Most of us spend a majority of our time indoors and this is especially true during colder months. With winter comes an increased risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. When a home is sealed up for the winter, elevated radon levels can also become a major problem. Along with inspecting our heating system and installing a CO detector, winter is an ideal time to test for radon. During National Radon Action Month in January, Woods Basement Systems is encouraging Illinois and Missouri residents to take action to protect their homes and families.

Elevated radon levels found in 1 out of every 15 homes

Much like carbon monoxide, radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. Elevated levels of radon are found in every state and can be present in every home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 deaths per year. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer cases in the U.S. and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that becomes a hazard when at a high concentration. The EPA has found proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon can have serious health implications, including cancer and death. When radon is trapped inside our home or a building, the gas can reach harmful levels. One out of every 15 homes is estimated to have elevated radon levels. The only way to find out if radon is a problem in your home is by conducting a test.

The cost of radon mitigation is the same as many home repairs

Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores. The EPA suggests having a radon reduction system installed if the test shows a radon level of over 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), however, levels less than 4 pCi/L may still pose a risk. A qualified radon contractor can thoroughly inspect your radon problem and help choose the right solution to effectively reduce radon levels. A radon mitigation system can reduce levels in your home up to 99 percent. If you already have a radon mitigation system installed, they can also provide a radon system inspection.

Woods Basement Systems urges Illinois and Missouri residents to take action this January during National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for radon. The cost of fixing your radon problem is similar to that of many home repairs like painting or installing a new water heater, but the payoff is priceless.  Contact Woods Basement Systems for do-it-yourself radon test kit or for more information on radon mitigation in Greater St. Louis, Central and Southern Illinois and surrounding areas.