State Hotline Available to Help People with Radon Questions
Noting that January is National Radon Action Month, state health
officials encourage everyone to learn about radon and the risk of lung
cancer from exposure to this odorless gas.
“With many homes tightly sealed against the winter cold, people
should consider testing the air in their homes to find out if radon is
seeping in through the foundation,” said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State
Health Officer.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas that comes
from trace amounts of uranium in the ground. The gas can seep into homes
through the foundation and neighboring houses can have different
concentrations of radon. It is estimated that about 5-10 percent of
homes in Wisconsin will have elevated levels of radon. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes several
thousand preventable lung cancer deaths nationally each year.
“Radon levels vary greatly from house to house,” said Johnson.
“With inexpensive tests you can measure your radon. If the
concentration is excessive, you can reduce it.”
She added that many hardware stores have radon test kits available to
purchase for $20 to $30. Some local public health agencies also have
the kits.
The cost to reduce radon in a home is not very high and will improve
the home’s value. Nationally certified radon mitigation contractors in
Wisconsin can help. Some builders of new homes know how to incorporate
features that reduce radon entry, with little added expense.
For comprehensive radon information and to find a list of certified
contractors, visit the Department’s website, www.lowradon.org or call
the toll-free statewide radon hotline at 1-888-LOW-RADON
(1-888-569-7236). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website
also has extensive information, www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html
