January is Radon Action Month. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. Homeowners in Middle Tennessee are encouraged to have their homes tested for radon levels for the health and safety of their family and loved ones.
Radon is an odorless gas emitted from the earth. Radon has so-called hot spots where it is especially prevalent, and Middle Tennessee is a hot spot for radon. There are zones throughout the United States where radon is more concentrated. You can view this map of the United States from the Environmental Protection Agency that shows radon levels: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/documents/radon-zones-map.pdf.
How do you know if you have high radon levels at your home? The best way to see if you have high radon levels is to hire an experienced company to test in and around your home. Self-test kits are also available if you would rather test your home yourself. Since radon is emitted from the earth, the highest levels of this gas are often in the lowest levels of the home.
A company specializing in radon testing will measure the level of radon where you live and ascertain whether the levels are high enough to warrant radon mitigation. Radon mitigation helps keep the radon levels in and around the home safe.
Whether you have had your home for many years or you are a new homeowner, it is a good idea to consider radon testing and mitigation for your health and the health of your friends and family. If you have questions about Radon Action Month, you can visit https://www.epa.gov/radon/national-radon-action-month-information.
Are you looking for a physician in Rutherford County? You can browse Rutherford’s Best Doctors directory of doctors and providers at https://rutherfordsbestdoctors.com/directory/.