Radon Dangers in Your Home: A Self-Care Guide to Safety

Send us Fan MailWhen it comes to toxic exposure, radon is something that is often overlooked; even though it's a known carcinogen.When it comes to toxic exposure, radon is something that is often overlooked; even though it's a known carcinogen.Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of cancer among smokers. It's becoming such an issue, that lung cancer is now surpassing breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women.The tricky part is that radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Most people won't test for a toxin if there is not an immediately recognizable threat. Recent reports cited granite counter tops as a culprit. While there is some validity to this, it's often not the main problem. Radon is a gas; a byproduct of the decomposition of uranium (which is found naturally in the soil). It creeps up through the cracks in the lowest levels of homes and other structures.How can you protect yourself and your family members?Test your home. Some helpful resources include the website sosradon.org, as well as the American Lung Association. Tests are affordable and you can do them yourself.Certified Green Building Professional, Lisa Beres, joins host Andrea Donsky to explain the dangers of radon, as well as simple yet effective ways to test your home.