WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Health Alert: Radon tests

Health Alert: Radon tests

Homeowner Richard Adams, "I had no idea to even think about radon as a possible issue."

Richard Adams was surprised when an inspector suggested he test his Tiverton, Rhode Island home for radon, a radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the soil. He was even more surprised when he got the results.

"The test results came back, and they weren't good," said Adams.

He's not alone. In fact, it's estimated one in fifteen houses may have high levels of radon in the US, with certain counties of Massachusetts testing especially high, and long term exposure to the radioactive gas is a leading cause of lung cancer.

Bruce Johnson is with Dana Farber Cancer Institute, "About 20,000 of the cases of lung cancer in the us are caused by radon." Even if you don't smoke, doctor's say you could be at risk. And if you do smoke, that risk is doubled.

Bruce Johnson, "There's an interaction between the radon that you breathe in your home and being exposed to cigarette smoke. The two working together are worse than each individual."

Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. The problem is, most people don't know they're supposed to do it.

"it's an invisible gas so you don't really give it much thought. But it is a serious concern and we would certainly encourage people to do testing on their own homes," explains Michael Quinn.

Home tests can be bought online or in home improvement stores. Just open the canisters and leave them in the basement for 48 hours, while keeping all windows closed. Then...send the canisters to a lab to find out your levels.

"If it's over 4.0 pico cures per liter, the house should be mitigated." The mitigation process - to get rid of the radon - is inexpensive. And involves running a pipe under the basement and out of the house, giving the gas a way to escape.

"It's not expensive at all when you consider the health implications of your family."

Richard had his home mitigated, "I'm very happy that I did it. So we have peace of mind here."

He suggests others test for radon too and take action if levels are high, to ensure your family isn't secretly suffering from this home sickness.

Posted 10:34am by Bryce Mursch