Protect your lungs with radon testing

When it comes to lung health, many people think first about smoking because it’s the leading risk factor for lung cancer. The second risk is radon, a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes across the country. Over time, exposure to elevated radon levels can increase your risk of lung cancer and other lung diseases. The good news? Radon can be tested for and reduced, making it a risk you can do something about.

What is radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, or even through well water. While radon is present in small amounts everywhere, some areas naturally have higher levels.

Testing is the only way to know your radon level, and it’s simple and affordable, making it one of the most proactive steps you can take for your family’s health.

How radon affects your lungs

When radon is inhaled, it can break down into tiny radioactive particles that may get trapped in the lungs. Over time, this can cause changes in lung tissue that may increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, which is why routine testing is so important.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
• About 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year are linked to radon exposure.
• Smokers exposed to radon have an even higher risk than non-smokers.

Who is at risk?

Radon can enter any home, whether it’s a new or an old build. While certain regions have naturally higher radon levels, even homes in “low-risk” areas can sometimes have elevated levels if the soil beneath them contains uranium. The only way to know your radon levels is through testing.

How to test for radon

 There are two main options:

1. DIY test kits – Available online or at hardware stores, these kits involve leaving a small device in your home for a few days or weeks and sending it to a lab for results. Depending on where you live, your local county may provide free or discounted radon tests.
   
   
2. Professional testing – Certified radon professionals can conduct short-term or long-term tests and guide you on the next steps if levels are high.

The EPA recommends taking action if your home’s radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

Reducing radon exposure

Radon exposure can be reduced. Homes with elevated radon levels can be fixed with mitigation systems that safely vent the gas outside. Simple measures like sealing cracks in the foundation or improving ventilation can also help lower radon levels, though professional mitigation is often the most effective approach.

Why it matters

Unlike some health risks, radon exposure is something you can test for and manage. Taking these proactive steps, testing your home, knowing your risk, and reducing radon if needed, can help protect your lungs and provide peace of mind. You can also refer to this American Lung Association Guide for more information.

By staying informed and taking practical measures, you’re empowering yourself to reduce your risk of lung cancer in a simple and effective way.

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