Radon is an odorless, tasteless, invisible radioactive gas that is highly carcinogenic. It’s created when uranium in the ground breaks down, and because uranium is present all across Utah, radon has become a major environmental issue. In fact, about 50% of Utah homes have high levels of radon, and most people don’t know until they receive a stage three or four lung cancer diagnosis. (5 myths about radon testing in Utah)
Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it often sneaks up on people because the symptoms can mimic mild conditions such as allergies or the common cold. Even more, studies are now linking radon exposure to leukemia and attention deficit issues in kids. While we know radon causes horrible health issues, we’re learning more and more every day about just how widespread the impact can be.
The good news is a simple, at-home test can tell you your home’s radon level, and if your home tests high, a radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce the radon to a safer level. We’re here to dispel common myths about radon testing so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
- “Radon testing is expensive”
This couldn’t be further from the truth! We offer a free radon test for all Utahns to test their home’s radon level. Even if you don’t get a test through us, you can find inexpensive radon tests online or through your local health department.
- “I need a continuous radon test”
While long-term radon tests have their purpose and can be helpful for monitoring, you can still get a reliable result from a short-term test, especially if you test every two years and alternate between summer and winter.
- “I don’t need to test if my house is new”
Many people think that radon can only enter a home through an old or cracked foundation, but it’s not true. Radon can enter a home through tiny pores, and newer homes may even trap more radon due to their increased energy efficiency.
- “If my neighbor’s test is low, I don’t need to test my home”
While it would be nice for this to be the case, it is unfortunately untrue. Radon levels can vary from house-to-house, and the only way to know if you have a high or low radon level is to perform your own test on the lowest level of your home.
- “If my last test was low, I never need to test again”
Think of radon like a cavity—just because you had one cavity-free cleaning doesn’t mean that it’ll stay that way forever. Radon fluctuates due to a variety of factors, including weather, which is why it’s critical to test every other year and alternating between summer and winter. Just like teeth, if you stay on top of your regular testing, you can keep your body healthy.
Radon is incredibly dangerous, but you don’t have to live in fear. By testing your home, and spreading awareness about the dangers of radon, you can potentially save a life. (5 myths about radon testing in Utah)
