Date Published: 01/28/2020 [Source]
Every year, an invisible gas causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in America, according to the EPA, and is the leading cause for non-smokers.
Radon is a very real, very dangerous problem here in Northeast Ohio, because of the amounts of uranium our homes and buildings sit on.
And since you can't see, smell, or taste radon, sometimes it can fall under the radar.
Rachael Malmberg was just 31 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. The ex-Olympic hockey player thought she had always done everything right.
"I didn't fit any of the mold. People think lung cancer, they think smoker or secondhand smoke or older with asbestos and I didn't fit any of that mold," Malmberg said.
But after doing research, Malmberg decided to test her current home for radon. She also went back and tested her childhood home. Results from both showed high levels of the poisonous gas.
"I have a true story, I'm a living example of the causes that radon has on people so it is super important for me to pass that along," Malmberg said.
January is actually Radon Action Month and the state wants to remind you to do just that — take action and keep your family safe.
You should be testing your home every two years, or after any renovations. The Ohio Department of Health also offers free testing kits for families with an income less than $80,500. You can click here to order a free test.
If you do find elevated levels, you can get a radon mitigation system, which runs about $1,000.
And it's something to keep in mind before renting or buying a home — testing is not required in the state of Ohio.