O’Brien County, Iowa — January is National Radon Action Month, a time when people are urged to check their homes for the presence of this colorless, odorless gas that, according to the American Cancer Society, is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Jonathon Hintz is an Environmental Specialist with the O’Brien County Public Health Department, and he tells us what Radon is.
Hintz says that radon can enter your home through open sump pump pits, dirt floors in basements, and the like. He says that all homes are at risk for radon, regardless of their age. And he says, if you’re building a new home, steps can be taken to protect that home from radon gas.
Hintz says all that’s needed to learn if radon has found its way into your home, is to conduct a simple test.
Hintz tells us that Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the country. He says if you want more information, or a Radon Test Kit, you should contact his office.
He says if you DO find high levels of radon in your home, the good news is that there are several mitigation companies in the area that can remove the gas by confining the source, and directing the gas out of your home.
