Take action against radon in the home

While most people are aware that air pollution can be hazardous to their health, many do not know that the air they breathe inside their own homes could be killing them.

Buildings may contain high levels of colorless and odorless radon gas. When radon decays and is inhaled into the lungs, it releases energy that can damage the DNA in sensitive lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. In fact, prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Geophysical surveying found strong concentrations in the Matanuska and Susitna valleys. New and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without a basement may be affected. Radon gas is odorless and invisible and the only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it.

Radon typically enters a home the same way air and other soil gases enter the home, through cracks in the foundation, floor or walls, and openings around pipes and floor drains. It can also be present in some construction materials and in water from underground sources, including private wells. The average indoor radon levels for the Mat-Su Borough are more than three times the national average. In fact, 26 percent of tests in the Mat-Su indicated the need for mitigation.

Testing for radon is as easy as opening a package and putting the test kit in the right place. After sending the test kit back to the address in the package, the company will send your radon test results in a couple of weeks. Three-month radon test kits are available at the Mat-Su District Cooperative Extension Office, 809 S Chugach Street, Palmer. Test kits can also be found at local stores or ordered online.

If a test indicates an elevated level of radon, reducing the level may be done by homeowners or by a professional, EPA-certified radon mitigator.

Learn more about radon at 7 p.m., Oct. 24 when Art Nash from UAF Cooperative Extension will present a program at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Kertula Hall, Blue Room. Call 745-3360 to register.

Radon is a serious health risk. It can be reduced easily and cost effectively. Take action today. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same.

Julie Cascio is a home economist for the Mat-Su District Cooperative Extension Service.