RADON IS THE #1 CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER AMONG NEVER-SMOKERS AND INCREASES RISK FOR SMOKERS
What is Radon?
- Every 25 minutes, a person in the U.S. dies from radon-related lung cancer. It is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.
- Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas from the soil that can collect in the home.
- When you breathe in radon gas, the radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs, increasing your risk of lung cancer. Health problems may take years to appear after radon exposure.
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A measurement of 4.0 pCi/L or higher necessitates action.
- The EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.
Testing Your Home for Radon
- You should test your home for radon if it has never been tested before, has unknown levels, if you are selling or buying a home, after renovations, or when spending more time in the basement (such as adding a bedroom or family room).
- Radon kits are sold nationwide at hardware stores and can be purchased online. Testing is easy, inexpensive, and only takes 3-5 days.
Studies on the Effects of Radon on Lung Cancer
- American Family Physician Journal: Radon – A Leading Environmental Cause of Lung Cancer (2018)
- Translational Cancer Research Journal: Indoor radon exposure and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies (2017)
- Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Attributable risk of lung cancer deaths due to indoor radon exposure (2016)
- British Medical Association Journal: Radon in homes and risk of lung cancer: collaborative analysis of individual data from 13 European case-control studies (2005)
- Epidemiology Journal: Residential Radon and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Combined Analysis of 7 North American Case-Control Studies (2005)
- EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (2003)
- American Journal of Epidemiology: The Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study (2000)
Radon in Minnesota Homes
- More than 40% of Minnesota homes have dangerous levels of radon gas.
- The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three times higher than the average U.S. radon level.
- In winter, home heating systems tend to draw in radon gas from the soil, increasing radon levels inside the home.
- Any radon tests done during a real estate transaction should be conducted by an MDH licensed Radon Measurement or Radon Mitigation Professional
- Radon levels in homes can be reduced by an MDH listed Radon Mitigation Professional
Order your MN Radon Test HERE.
- Tests should be done in the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. Tests should not be done in laundry or utility rooms, kitchens or bathrooms.
- MN Home Testing Guide
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