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January Is Radon Awreness Month
Posted on January 07, 2013
January is “Radon Action Month” and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has joined forces with the Department of Health to help educate Tennesseans about the dangers of radon exposure, encouraging actions to identify and to address radon problems in the home.
The American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and various local and county health departments also serve as partners in this outreach effort, designed to raise awareness about the health risk and the importance of testing.
“Tennesseans can check for the presence of radon with a very simple test,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau. “These test kits are readily available and inexpensive to buy and we encourage each household to take this important step to safeguard homes from the dangers of exposure to radon.”
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. It cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, but in concentrated levels radon can pose a threat to human health. The EPA estimates that approximately 70 percent of Tennessee’s population lives in high risk or moderate risk radon areas.
The best time to test is during consistently cold weather, usually from October to March. This is the time of year when doors and windows are shut, so the test results are more representative of in-home exposure.
To learn more about the dangers of radon exposure call 1-800-232-1139.
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