You’ve installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ve checked your home for asbestos and lead-based paint. Can you finally relax, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to make your house safe?

Well, almost.

But there’s one more danger that’s important to address: radon. While perhaps not as well-known as the aforementioned dangers, radon can be a silent killer.

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It enters your house through holes and cracks in the foundation and is then trapped inside. Over time, it can build up to unacceptable levels.

“Any home may have a radon problem,” notes the Environmental Protection Agency website. “This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.”

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The EPA estimates that it is the cause of 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

DIY kits are available to detect this danger. Generally for $40 or less, you can buy a test canister at a home improvement store. For highest accuracy, it’s best to use a long-term testing kit, as radon levels can vary significantly from day to day. Long-term kits measure radon levels over 90 days to one year.

But you can also buy short-term kits that measure the radon over 3-7 days. And if you’re in need of even quicker results, you can hire a licensed specialist to complete a radon test in 2 days.

For referrals to qualified testers, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d be happy to help you address this serious health issue.

Read more detail about radon here on the Environmental Protection Agency website.