Relevent Statistics
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., second only to smoking. You can help protect yourself and your family. Public Health Solutions Health Department provides free Radon test kits throughout the year. We also provide information on outside mitigation services that will work with the homeowner to lower Radon levels in existing homes, and offer Radon resistant methods for new home construction.
Radon is a serious issue and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the soil and can enter homes through cracks and holes in the foundation, walls and water pipes. In Nebraska there are dangerously high levels of Radon and nearly one in two homes has levels well above the safe zone.
Professional Advice
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that homes with Radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more be mitigated (fixed). Knowing the Radon level in your home is important because the problem can be fixed by installing a Radon mitigation system. Also, it is important for people building new homes to learn about Radon resistant construction techniques.
PHS has FREE Radon test kits available at our office locations and UNL Extension offices in our district. Testing is simple and easy. To request your free test kit, contact 402-826-3880 or visit our offices.
For further information please visit the EPA’s website to view the “Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction” at www.epa.gov.