Date Published: 01/18/2020 [Source]
The following questions were asked recently on the Wonderline:
Q: In the last few years, there was a statewide study which showed a high percentage of homes tested in York and Seward Counties had radon levels above the safety threshold. What is radon? What can it do to a person? How do we detect it? And then if we have a problem, who do we call?
A: Breathing in radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Four Corners Health Department has had a lot of valuable information about radon on their website:
What is radon? Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas. It is found in the uranium in the soil that decays to radium, then to radon.
Where does radon come from? Radon comes from the soil, rocks, and minerals. It rises through the soil and air.
What does radon do to me? It can increase the risk of lung cancer. It can get trapped in your lungs and causes tissue damage.
Who is at risk? Everyone.
How do I test for radon? Pick up a test kit. Follow the directions on the test kit. Mail kit to the testing lab as directed.
Where should I place the test kit? Test in the lowest level of your house that you live in. Keep windows and doors closed for a 12 hours prior to and for the duration of the testing.
How long does a test take? A short-term test takes only 72 hours to complete. Send your completed test to the lab as soon as possible. Completed tests must be mailed to the testing lab within 7 days from the end of the test.
How long does it take for me to receive my test results? It only takes 24-48 hours after the test kit arrives at the lab. You should receive results within a week from mailing the test kit.
What should I do if there is radon in my home? If your short term results are higher than 4pCi/L, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NEDHHS) recommends retesting. If your second test is above 4pCi/L, contact Four Corners Health Department for mitigation guidance or the NEDHHS radon website.