Grand Canyon Times

As the holiday season concludes, many people are addressing unexpected challenges in their homes. During National Radon Action Month, attention is drawn to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that poses significant health risks. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), "Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall."

Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without proper testing. To help residents identify this potential hazard, ADHS provides free test kits for Arizonans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises action if radon levels exceed 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes in Arizona has radon levels above this threshold.

ADHS emphasizes that "any home can have high radon levels—no matter where you live, when your home was built, or what your neighbors’ radon levels are." At elevated levels, the risk of lung damage from radon exposure is comparable to smoking eight cigarettes daily.

To safeguard families, ADHS encourages residents to add radon testing to their list of resolutions. Free short-term test kits are available online for Arizonans whether they are buying, selling, renovating, or uncertain about their home's radon levels. Testing takes 3-7 days and results are provided after mailing the kit to a laboratory.

If necessary, mitigation systems can be installed based on test results. ADHS offers online guidance on interpreting results and reducing radon exposure at home.

January's designation as National Radon Action Month serves as a reminder that "radon can affect any home," highlighting the importance of testing regardless of the season. For more information on protecting your family from this invisible risk, visit ADHS Indoor Radon Surveillance at azdhs.gov/radon.