COLUMBIA, MO. -- You can’t smell or taste it, and it could be at a dangerous level in your home.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers.
Radon is an odorless gas that occurs when uranium in the earth’s soil breaks down and emits alpha particles which can damage human cells. Radon can enter your home through cracks in your foundation or basement. Boone County health officials say Mid-Missouri is in a low risk zone for radon.
Boone County Health Department Spokesman Gerry Worley said, “Compared to other geographic regions of the country, no, we’re not in a high risk zone. We do recommend that if a person has not tested their home for radon, they should. It’s important to be aware of whether your home does have a radon issue or not.”
The most common danger from radon is lung cancer. Most non-smoking lung cancer victims were exposed to radon. Some scientists claim that radon gas is responsible for 7,000 to 30,000 lung cancer deaths per year, but other scientists dispute this figure, saying it exaggerates the risk.
There are short-term and long-term radon detectors. Radon levels within a home fluctuate with the weather, so these tests can be deceiving. You can buy radon testing kits rather cheaply from your local hardware store. Their price usually includes the cost of having a laboratory analyze the detector and report the findings.
If you would like to get a free radon testing kit from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, click on the link below.
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