Butte News

Health hazards of Radon stressed during the month of January

Posted: Dec 26, 2012 3:26 PM by KXLF Media Center
Updated: Dec 26, 2012 3:41 PM

Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This January the National Cancer Institute, the American Lung Association and the Center for Disease Control encourage you to test your home for Radon.

Radon is a naturally-occurring, invisible, odorless and radioactive gas. It forms from the breakdown of Uranium. One in 15 homes contains high levels of Radon, according to the EPA. Harvard University ranks Radon as America's #1 home hazard.

The first step toward lowering your risk is by getting a measurement of the Radon levels inside your home. A measurement can cost between $100 and $250, according to Jerry Peterson, home inspector and owner of Peterson Radon Services in Butte. A complete Radon mitigation system can cost between $800 and $1,200.

"If you have children living in the basement or somebody living in the basement where there reading is really high it will lower the rate of cancer," Peterson said.

Visit http://neha-nrpp.org/mitigation/MT.html to find a Radon mitigation service provider near you. To learn more about national radon action month visit www.RadonMonth.org.