What is Radon? Why is it dangerous?

Being a homeowner comes with a plethora of responsibilities such as maintenance, daily housekeeping, and, most importantly, protecting your home and loved ones from everyday hazards that can create unhealthy living situations such as gas leaks, mold, or even electrical issues. But how do you protect your household from invisible dangers such as Radon gas?

WHAT IS RADON 

One of the many unfortunate characteristics of Radon is that it can exist in your home completely undetected. Radon is the product of uranium breaking down in the soil around the foundation of your home, and can be measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. It’s impossible to see and smell, but has the potential to create an incredibly unhealthy environment within your home, as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. In fact, 1 pCi/L of Radon is equivalent to smoking 2.5 cigarettes, so if your home tests at 4 pCi/L or higher, you could be looking at the equivalent of 10 plus cigarettes a day. The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Surgeon General reports that Radon kills around 20,000 people every year in the United States. 

HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE

The only way to protect your loved ones from this dangerous gas is to have your home tested. Tests are non-invasive and can deliver results within a few days. The EPA recommends taking action for any levels above 4 pCi/L. If your home has dangerous levels of radon, you will need to have a Radon Mitigation System installed, which will work to direct the Radon up, out, and away from the home, bringing levels down to a safe level. 

HOW WE CAN HELP

Because of the urgency of this issue, American Waterworks is extending a special offer to customers within our service area, as the Midwest faces some of the highest Radon levels in the country.  From now until the end of January 2023, take an extra $50 off the installation of your Radon Mitigation System. Don’t wait to make your home a healthier and safer environment for you and your family to live and breathe.