January is National Radon Awareness month. According to Nebraska Health and Human Services (HHS), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Further, HSS states “in Lincoln up to 56% (of homes) may need to be mitigated for radon.” Radon is dangerous because it is odorless gas, radioactive gas. Also, in the City of Lincoln over 50% of homes test high on radon , according again to HHS. Any test above 4(pc/l) should be mitigated to reduce radon levels. Testing is recommended every two to five years.

A house can be mitigated for radon. This means to bring the radon level down to the 4.0 pc/l l level and below. Radon mitigation contractors are licensed by the State. A radon removal system moves the radon from the basement to outside the house via a ventilation system. For more information, go to DHHS.Helpline@Nebraska.Gov.

The State of Nebraska encourages you to check for radon. Kits are simple to use and affordable. A test kit can be ordered through the Nebraska Radon Program, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln NE 68504. The cost is $5-$15.

When you are buying a house, we recommend a radon test. During the real estate transaction is the best time to test for radon. A radon professional can set the test equipment and results are available within 48 hours. The cost for this test is about $100.

Winter is the worst time for radon. It can accumulate to high levels when your home closed up. Your home actually traps the radon inside and it builds up over time. Ventilation is the key. Radon enters your house through the cracks and holes in your basement. It doesn’t matter if your home is new or old. All homes should be tested. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” twelve percent of lung cancer in the United States can be traced to radon”.