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National Lung Cancer Awareness Month: The Hidden Risk of Radon in Your Home
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Why is a company like Bryant bringing attention to National Lung Cancer Awareness Month? Nearly everyone that owns a home in Lincoln NE and surrounding areas are exposed to the lesser-known, but significant contributors to lung cancer: radon. It's a good time for homeowners to be aware of the dangers of radon and mitigation solutions available. Understanding radon's impact and mitigating it when necessary can not only improve air quality, but also save lives. Let's explore why radon is an issue worth considering and what you can do about it.
The Link Between Radon and Lung Cancer
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. Although it's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors. Once inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels, posing serious health risks to occupants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among nonsmokers. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can lead to the development of lung cancer, often without any warning signs or symptoms. The risk is so common that the American Lung Association devotes much of their efforts to education and awareness of this silent threat and the importance of being proactive about radon testing and mitigation.
Why Homeowners Should Pay Attention to Radon
Many people aren't aware that radon could be a concern in their own homes. Radon levels can vary significantly from one property to another, even within the same neighborhood. Factors such as soil composition, building materials, and even weather can influence indoor radon levels. For homeowners, understanding these potential risks is essential for creating a safer living environment.
Here's why radon awareness and mitigation should be a top priority for homeowners:
- Protect Your Health and Your Family - Prolonged radon exposure can have serious health consequences. Testing your home for radon is a small step that can make a big difference, especially if young children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory issues lives in the home.
- Maintain Your Property's Value - Homes with high radon levels can face challenges during real estate transactions, as buyers are becoming more informed and concerned about radon risks. Ensuring that your home is radon-safe can protect its market value and make it a more attractive option to future buyers.
- Radon is Manageable - While the risks are real, radon exposure is preventable and manageable. Radon mitigation systems are effective, reliable, and typically involve installing a ventilation system that reduces indoor radon concentrations. Professional radon mitigation services can assess the levels in your home and recommend the most effective solution.
Taking Action: Radon Testing and Mitigation Services
The first step in reducing the threat of Radon is to determine the level of risk you have in your home. A radon test will determine how extreme the concentration of radon is in your home. Bryant's radon team believes every homeowner should be aware of the risk in their home, so much so that Bryant will make a $25 donation to the American Lung Association in support of their efforts to reduce radon dangers. Once a test is complete the level of risk can be determined and a baseline set should levels be high and mitigation recommended.
Professional radon mitigation services use various techniques to reduce radon levels, such as soil suction, sealing foundation cracks, and improving ventilation. These methods help keep radon from entering your home or dissipate the gas once it's inside. The result is a healthier, safer living environment that can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
How to Get Started with Radon Testing
To begin, you can start with a simple at-home radon testing kit, available at hardware stores and online. However, hiring Bryant's certified radon mitigation specialist is recommended for accurate readings and expert guidance on solutions. We will assess radon levels, pinpoint entry points, and install an appropriate system if necessary.
Testing your home, especially if it's never been tested or it's been several years, can reveal surprising results. Many radon mitigation services offer guidance on choosing the right solution for your home's layout and needs, and in most cases, the entire process can be completed within a day.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health with Radon Awareness
As we take the month of November to focus on lung cancer awareness, it's worth considering the impact that radon can have on indoor air quality and lung health. A simple test can reveal a hidden danger, and radon mitigation services can help you address the issue head-on.
If you haven't tested your home for radon recently, make this the month you take that step. Reach out today to schedule your testing! By prioritizing radon awareness and mitigation with Bryant's Radon team, you are not only making your home a healthier place, but also contributing to a larger effort to prevent radon-related lung cancer.