Jan. 1--OTTUMWA -- Imagine every breath you take is filled with microscopic poisons -- it could be.
Even if you can't see, taste or smell it, it could be there. What is this "silent killer" -- radon.
Unlike other deadly gases, radon is hard to detect and doesn't have immediate symptoms. It builds up in the lungs and can eventually turn into lung cancer.
Studies of radon have been ongoing for several years now, but the Environmental Protection Agency believes that more people should be educated on the harmful effects it can cause.
That's why January has been designated National Radon Action Month. This is a time when the EPA and its partners conduct radon outreach activities and events across the country.
According to a press release, "The aim of National Radon Action Month is to increase the public's awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices."
Studies show that more than 20,000 Americans die from radon-related lung cancer each year.
Donnie Herteen, environmental public health specialist for four southeast Iowa counties, said radon is caused by gases that come from under the earth's surface. Many times it enters a home via cracks in the wall or floor of a basement, then spreads throughout the rest of the home.
"This is a serious issue," he said. "People really should test their home for radon levels."
Herteen said radon tests are inexpensive and could be the key to saving a person's life.
"If there is radon in a home, it could be years before anyone would ever know, and by that time, it could be too late," he said.
Next to smoking, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Geography also plays a factor.
"Unfortunately, south-central and southeast Iowa have the highest radon content in the United States," Herteen said. "The EPA goes by zones, and we are one of the hottest zones."
Herteen said the frightening fact is that radon is more common than carbon monoxide in homes.
Over the years, there have been steps taken to reduce the amount of radon in homes, but the problem is not always eliminated.
Most homes today that are built to code include a ventilation system to reduce the levels of radon present in the air.
Herteen said he would still recommend radon testing to be certain.
Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.
For your information
--www.epa.gov/radon
--(800) 767-7236
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