Dodge County Urges Citizens To Test Their Homes for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

JUNEAU, Wis. — Exposure to radon gas is one of the major contributors to lung cancer nationally, yet many people aren’t aware that an easy-to-use test kit can tell them if their home has high radon levels. Radon causes more lung cancer among non-smokers than second-hand tobacco smoke.

An estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year among non-smokers are caused by radon, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Surgeon General, and approximately 962 of these deaths are in Wisconsin. Fortunately, this cause of lung cancer is largely preventable, and the first step is to test your home. If elevated radon is found, it can be corrected with a radon mitigation system.

Radon, an odorless radioactive gas naturally present in the ground, can enter buildings through their foundations. One in 10 Wisconsin homes have elevated levels. Radon concentrations in the air can be measured with a test kit available from hardware stores and local public health agencies.

Reducing radon exposure and radon-induced lung cancer in Wisconsin depends on encouraging and supporting all Wisconsinites in testing their home. About one-third of the state’s housing units are occupied by renters, and it is important for both property owners and tenants to be proactive about testing for radon.

More than 100 radon mitigation contractors in Wisconsin are nationally certified to install radon mitigation systems if elevated radon levels are found. Thousands of systems are installed in existing homes in Wisconsin each year. Newly constructed homes should include features recommended by the National Association of Home Builders to reduce radon entry.

Any home or building can be susceptible to radon. Radon is found all over the state of Wisconsin and the only way to know if your house or apartment has elevated levels is to test.

Radon test kits can be obtained free of charge from the Dodge County Health Department 199 County Road DF in Juneau, and the Jefferson County Health Department 1541 Annex Rd Jefferson, the Watertown Department of Public Health, 515 S. First St. Watertown. Test kits are only available while supplies last.

You can find more information about radon on the DHS website at http://www.lowradon.org or contact the Radon Information Center for Watertown, Dodge and Jefferson Counties at 920-262-8094.