Test Your Home for Radon Gas

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States among non-smokers. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The EPA estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer greatly increases. Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. It can get into any type of building- homes, offices, and schools- and build up to high levels. You and your family are mostly likely to get your greatest exposure at home since that’s where you spend most of your time. You should test for radon. Insure that you are safer at home. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. 2 out of every 3 homes in Marathon County test above the EPA recommended action level for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy. Radon test kits can be ordered from the safety of your home through the Marathon County Health Department website. Protect your family and test your home. You can fix the problem. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that are not costly. Even very high levels of radon can be reduced to acceptable levels. For more information regarding radon or testing, call the Radon Information Center serving your area or your local health department. You can also visit the Wisconsin Radon Information website at www.lowradon.org

What does Radon Mean for Insurance?

“If you have a radon test done in your home, it doesn’t do anything to your rates,” said Nick Arnoldy, CEO at Marshfield Insurance. “Radon doesn’t cause property damage. It’s a naturally occurring gas.” Liability wise, there are potential negligence issues if you’re aware of radon and you aren’t taking care of it, he added.