“ The gas is radioactive , producing a high energy particle that can damage the DNA of cells in your lung when you breathe it in that can lead to cancer ,” Carbone said . “ Everyone who breathes in radon over a long period of time is vulnerable .”
He also pointed out that radon exposure is not only hazardous in homes , but also in schools and offices .
“ Much of our lives are also spent at work or school , and many of these environments are untested and may have high radon levels ,” he explained . “ I encourage everyone to talk to their employers or children ’ s schools about testing , and encourage local and state legislators to require testing in homes , schools , and places of employment .”
The release outlined several ways to test for and reduce radon exposure , which include :
� installing an outside radon remediation system that sucks air from the basement ;
� increasing air flow by opening windows and using fans and vents ; and
� sealing cracks in floors , ceilings and foundations .
“ Everyone should test their home for radon every few years ,” Carbone said . “ Levels can change and additional mitigation steps might be needed .”
References :
� Health risk of radon . https :// www . epa . gov / radon / health‐risk‐radon . Accessed April 10 , 2024 .
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Survey : Half of Americans are unaware of a cancer‐causing threat in their home . https :// james . multimedia‐newsroom . com / index . php / 2024 / 04 / 11 / survey‐half‐ofamericans‐are‐unaware‐of‐a‐cancer‐causing‐threat‐in‐their‐home /. Published April 11 , 2024 . Accessed April 11 , 2024 .
Who is at risk of radon exposure ? https :// www . atsdr . cdc . gov / csem / radon / who _ risk . html . Accessed April 10 , 2024 .