The WI Department of Health Services (DHS) and federal health officials recognize that exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, yet most people are not aware of how to test for it in their homes. That’s why January is designated as National Radon Action Month.
“Fortunately this cause of lung cancer is largely preventable, and the first step is to test your home,” said Dr. Jon Meiman, chief medical officer of the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health in DHS, in a press release this week. “If elevated radon is found, it can be easily and effectively corrected.”
Between 5 to 10 percent of Wisconsin homes have elevated radon levels. Radon in the air can be measured with simple test kits available from hardware stores and public health agencies. There are over 100 radon mitigation contractors in Wisconsin that are certified to install radon control systems when elevated levels are found.
For more information on radon in Wisconsin, including where to purchase a test, check out the DHS website. To speak to local public health department radon experts, call 1-888-LOW-RADON. You can also review a WI CCC Issue Brief on radon, and visit Priority 6, “Decreasing exposure to radon,” in the online WI CCC Plan 2015-2020 for specific strategies and action steps to address this issue.