January is National Radon Action Month and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is urging everyone to test their homes for radon gas.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground or sometimes from a water supply. Pennsylvania Second Lady Gisele Fetterman explains:
“The thing about Pennsylvania is that we have this beautiful geology; we’re very lucky to live in a state that’s so beautiful,” Fetterman said. “But because of our geology, it makes us the state that has the most cases of radon.”
“What happens is that when you bring it in, it gets into your lungs and you’re exposed to radiation,” Fetterman explained.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Testing kits can be purchased online at low cost or testing can also be performed by a qualified professional.
Fetterman believes that more people should be talking about this preventable danger.
“This is really something we want people to start talking about. What are you doing at dinner tonight or out with friends? Maybe ask ‘Hey, have you had your basement checked for radon?’” Fetterman said. “It’s something that we don’t hear often, but we should hear more of.”
More information about radon testing can be found through the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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