Wyoming Homes Should Be Tested for Radon

Wyoming Homes Should Be Tested for Radon

Wyoming Homes Should Be Tested for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month

CHEYENNE — Testing is the only way to know how much of the invisible, potentially dangerous gas known as radon is present in Wyoming homes or workplaces, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from radium and is found in rocks, soil and water. “Radon seeps up from the ground into your home and office, gets trapped inside and builds in intensity,” said Steve Melia, Wyoming Radon Program manager with the Wyoming Department of Health.

All homes have radon; at certain levels a health concern exists. Melia estimated 35 percent of homes across Wyoming have an elevated radon level, which is defined as > 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air). “Any home in Wyoming may have elevated levels of radon, even if nearby homes do not,” he said.

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“Radon has no odor, no color or any other obvious characteristic to remind us it could be there,” Melia said. “Testing for radon is simple, reliable and inexpensive and any radon problems discovered can be fixed. In other words, starting with a radon test we can take preventive steps to lower our risk of developing lung cancer.”

“Many people don’t realize radon is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer,” Melia noted.

The Wyoming Radon Program has test kits and presentations available for community groups, teachers, real estate agents (REAs), appraisers, architects, physicians and other healthcare providers. Radon test kits for individuals and families are available for $7.95 at http://www.wyomingradon.org. Purchase one test kit and receive a second free as long as supplies last.

Architects, appraisers and REAs can earn up to seven continuing education (CEUs) units; physicians and other healthcare providers can earn up to one continuing medical education (CMEs) unit. Junior and senior high school teachers can request radon presentations for science and health classes.

To learn more about test kits, radon education options or radon facts, please contact the Wyoming Radon Program at 307-777-6015, steve.melia@wyo.gov, or visit www.wyomingradon.org online.