3 Myths About Radon and Mitigation

Radon is a radioactive gas that is created from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and rock underground. It can enter homes and other structures through crawlspaces, sump pumps, cracks in foundations, and other small fissures. Radon is invisible, and can’t be tasted or smelled. Sadly, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking), and anyone who hasn’t tested their home for radon may be exposing themselves and their family to it. If a test discovers radon to be present at unacceptable levels, mitigation is the only way to make your home safe again. Here are 3 myths about radon and mitigation:

1. MYTH: Radon is only problematic in certain areas of the U.S. While radon levels can vary across the country, it’s impossible to determine a specific risk in a given location. Radon levels depend on soil composition, home construction, atmospheric conditions, and other factors. Your neighbor’s home may have low radon levels, and yours could be dangerously high. The only way to know is to have your home tested, and if necessary, mitigated.

2. MYTH: The increased risk of lung cancer is not significant. The risk is absolutely significant, and is believed to contribute to over 10% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. each year. The EPA estimates that the risk of lung cancer caused by radon exposure is almost ten times higher for those who smoke.

3. MYTH: Testing your home for radon and mitigating radon levels is costly and time-consuming. Testing is actually simple and inexpensive. You can do a home test, or have a professional set up testing for a more accurate result. Mitigation involves diverting the radon gas from under the home through a pipe to the outside (through the roof or a wall vent). The cost is in line with typical home maintenance projects, and can be done in a day or less.

For more information, please contact:

Illinois Valley Radon Mitigation, LLC

717 Bellevue Avenue

Ottawa, IL 61350

815-313-5892

www.illinoisvalleyradon.com

Email: tami@illinoisvalleyradon.com