First Place Winner of the
2006 Kentucky Radon Calendar Contest
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless so it is difficult to detect. But it is found in many homes and buildings.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances.
Radon gas comes from the natural radioactive decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils and rocks. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into homes through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can become trapped inside the home and accumulate. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Radon can be found all over the U.S. and can get into any type of building. Because people spend most of their time at home, that's where the greatest exposure is likely to occur. Click to see a map of Radon Zones of Kentucky.
Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General both recommend testing all homes below the third floor. They further recommend that if radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter or more are found that the home be fixed.
And there are simple ways to fix radon problems that are not too costly. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
Radon exhibits and/or presentations may be scheduled for appropriate groups or functions such as health fairs, farm and home safety fairs, consumer groups, etc.