LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Wednesday marks the end of National Radon Action Month, and the American Lung Association is urging everyone to test their homes for Radon.
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can cause long-term effects on your health. According to the American Lung Association, Radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths a year nationwide, and it could be seeping into your home unnoticed.
“Many people all across the state of Kentucky are being exposed to Radon in their home and any other building they may be inside of,” said Dr. Stacy Stanifer with UK.
Radon is formed from the natural breakdown of uranium in our soil. It can get into the air we breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in our home. Radon gets into the air you breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in the foundation.
“It begins to build up inside our homes and buildings, and over time, when we are exposed to things that are cancer-causing, it does increase our risk of getting lung cancer,” said Dr. Stanifer.
While the number one cause of lung cancer in the country is smoking, Radon is the number one cause for cases of lung cancer involving non-smokers. Tobacco usage presents additional risk with radon infected households.
“We did a recent study and found that only 13 out of every ten thousand homes in Kentucky are being tested for radon annually. So just by increasing awareness and having folks increase their home radon testing is a great start”
Programs like Dr. Stanifer’s BREATHE program are meant to help spread awareness and access to radon testing across the state. The EPA recommends Radon mitigation if your home tests at four picocuries per liter or more, and many counties provide free Radon testing kits at the health department. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services in the state of Kentucky also provides free testing kits upon request.
“Anyone with lungs is at risk for developing Radon-induced lung cancer, so it’s an important topic to bring awareness to, and it’s encouraged that everyone tests their home for Radon,”
Dr. Stanifer also suggests that as people continue to work on their New Year’s resolutions and improve their health, this time of year is a great time to test for Radon and improve the lung health of all those living in the home.
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