National Radon Action Month
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies radon as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can reach unsafe levels in your home. About 1 in 10 Wisconsin homes have high radon levels (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 2024). In Iowa, at least 50% of homes exceed the EPA action level for radon (Iowa Health and Human Services, n.d.). The limestone composition of the soil in these areas makes it a prime location for radon gas. Knowing the radon level in your home can save your life.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas. Cracks and other openings in basements and foundations allow radon from the soil to enter homes. Even new homes can have unsafe radon levels, especially due to soil disruption during construction. Homes in the same neighborhood can vary widely in their indoor radon levels. The only way to determine if your home is safe is to test. Winter is the best time to test your home, as radon levels are highest when windows are closed, and ventilation is reduced.
Different types of test kits are available depending on your needs. A short-term test can be purchased at your local hardware store or online for around $20. Crawford County residents can pick up a free test kit at the Crawford County Health Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (available November–February). This type of test may be appropriate for first-time use or to confirm that your mitigation system is working properly. Follow the instructions provided with the kit, and repeat testing every couple of years or after major renovations. Long-term or continuous radon monitors are another testing option. These can provide an average radon level over a longer period. Prairie du Chien residents can also borrow a test kit from the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library, thanks to a generous donation from the Kayla Mezera Family.
Radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher indicate the need for a professional radon mitigation system. The average cost of installation is around $1,300. These systems include a fan that continuously pulls air from the soil and vents it outdoors through a pipe. Contractors may also seal cracks or other openings in the foundation that could allow radon to enter. The goal of mitigation is to reduce radon to a safe level. While Wisconsin does not require contractors to be certified radon specialists, a list of qualified professionals can be found on the Crawford County Health and Human Services website under the resources section. If you are building a new home, consider including radon-resistant features, which cost around $400–$500 during construction.
Radon exposure is cumulative, meaning your health risk increases over time. Your risk of lung cancer depends on the radon level in your home, how much time you spend there, and whether you smoke or have ever smoked. The combination of smoking and radon exposure significantly increases your health risk. Taking steps now to reduce radon exposure can protect your health and lower your risk of lung cancer.
Special thanks to Crawford County Health and Human Services and the Southern Wisconsin Radon Information Center.
For more information about radon, contact your local health department or use the resources listed below.
Crawford County Health and Human Services at 608-326-0229 or visit their website at: https://www.crawfordcountywi.gov/Radon
Southern Wisconsin residents can also contact the Southern Wisconsin Radon Information Center at 608.723.6416 or visit the state radon website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/infocenters.htm
Iowa residents can contact the Iowa Radon Hotline 1-800-383-5992 or visit the Iowa Health and Human Services website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/radiological-health/radon
Sources:
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, December 2). Health Risk of Radon. https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon
Minnesota Department of Health. (2024, October 3). Radon Mitigation Systems. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/mitigationsystem.html#:~:text=Radon%20mitigation%20systems%20use%20a,in%20the%20foundation%20are%20sealed
American Lung Association. (n.d.) Radon Testing Kit Store. https://action.lung.org/site/Ecommerce?store_id=34304
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, December 2). The EPA Map of Radon Zones. https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones
Iowa Health and Human Services. (n.d.) Radon Resources. https://hhs.iowa.gov/radiological-health/radon/radon-resources#:~:text=The%20Iowa%20Radon%20Survey%20has,action%20level%20of%204pCi%2FL.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2024, September 11). Radon Information for Wisconsin.