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Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and 1 in 3 Utah homes have dangerous levels, yet most homeowners are unaware.
In response, Utahns, who have been impacted by radon gas, shared a life-saving message — and an invitation for free radon testing — with KSL and UtahRadon.org as a part of National Radon Action Month.
Radon-induced lung cancer deaths are preventable, and all Utans are encouraged to test for radon. Winter testing provides the clearest results. Free test kits are available at UtahRadon.org.
Learn more about radon:
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that causes lung cancer, as one Utah woman explained in an article for KSL.com.
Where does radon come from?
Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium deposits in the ground. It seeps through foundations in homes and enters the air we breathe. It is the most concentrated at the lowest level of the home, especially during winter.
Why is radon dangerous?
Long-term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and an estimated 21,000 Americans die annually from radon-induced lung cancer, according to information from the CDC.
How common is radon in Utah?
Utah has five times the national average of radon contamination. This is simply due to the higher concentration of uranium in the soil. Conservatively, 1 in 3 Utah homes have dangerous levels and while there are specific areas in Utah that have higher levels than others, every home should be tested for radon.
How is radon detected?
The only way to detect radon is to test for it. Testing is simple and only takes 15 minutes of your time over a 48-hour period. To get a free radon test, visit UtahRadon.org
How is radon removed?
Radon is removed through a process called sub-slab depressurization, or simply "mitigation." This process includes drilling a small hole in the home's foundation, creating a suction pit under the foundation, and installing a series of pipes connected to a fan that expels the radon gas safely to the outside air.
Most homes can be mitigated within a few hours. Mitigation typically costs between $1,700-$1,900. It is a permanent solution and requires very little maintenance.
