In January, United Hospital Center is bringing attention to National Radon Action Month and the importance of understanding radon risks to help prevent lung cancer, which contributes to more than 20,000 deaths each year.
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas formed when radioactive metals break down in soil, rocks, or groundwater.
Where can you be exposed?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters homes and buildings through cracks and pipes. People breathe it in when the gas builds up inside.
Radon levels are higher in places that are:
- Closer to the ground, including basements
- Poorly ventilated
- Tightly sealed or well-insulated
- Processing or storing certain products
Who is at risk of radon exposure?
The most common place that people can be exposed to radon is in their homes. However, individuals who work in mines or caverns face a higher risk of exposure.
What are the health concerns related to radon?
Breathing in high levels of radon over time can potentially cause lung cancer. When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs and damage lung tissue. Because lung cancer often develops slowly, it may not be found until later, which makes treatment more difficult.
How can you prevent radon exposure?
Testing your home for radon can help reduce the risk of breathing it in. Qualified professionals can install a radon-reduction system in your home to help lower radon levels, if detected. If you’re planning to move into a new home, ask whether it includes radon-resistant features. You can also seal cracks in floors and walls and increase airflow throughout your home to help reduce radon buildup.
The West Virginia Department of Health supplies free radon test kits during National Radon Action Month. By emailing radon@wv.gov or calling 304-352-5039, you can request a free radon test kit.
Radon can harm your health without any warning signs. Learning how to prevent exposure helps reduce our risk of lung cancer and protects you and your loved ones. Test your home and workspace today.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
