Watch out for Radon!
As we all know, Januray is National Radon Month! Acutually, I had no idea, but I found this article and the statistics were pretty interesting. Apparently, 80 percent of households in America are not regularly tested for radon. It is the secong most common cause of lung cancer behind cigarettes. I read that this causes about 20,000 deaths each year. I know that’s not a huge number compared with the world population, but just think, if you’re at a Cubs game (which always has a full crowd) half of those people at the stadium are how many will die every year from a totally preventable cause!
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can permeate the walls of your house, and can become deadly if trapped inside for a long period of time. At room temperature, radon is one of the heaviest gases. It accumulates in caves and mines below the ground, and can seep into houses if it grows to a considerable level.
Of course now you’re thinking, “Oh no. I’m going to die of lung cancer and I don’t even know it!” Not to worry. Radon detectors are available in most stores, and cost around $10. Older homes tend to be more prone to radon because of their aging construction, so I would highly recommend detectors if you live in Oak Park! Sealing basement foundations and water drainage are also some precautions that could be taken. In the more expensive case, ventilation systems can also be installed.
The EPA is working on expanding the knowledge of radon to schools and organizations so that the word can be spread to protect your home!
For a total aside, I also read that in some spas around the world, people choose to be exposed to a highly concentrated radon atmosphere to give them a burst of energy and invigorate them. Also, namely in Japan, there are hot water treatments in water with a high level of radon. Due to it’s toxicity, it’s not a very promoted way to relax.
Sources for article:
mcrane said,
January 28, 2007 at 12:31 am
Interesting post. I like you had absolutely no clue that it was national radon month. I also had no clue that it was the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon seems like such a potential threat to saftey and I was wondering why I had never heard about it before. I think that it is very important that the EPA is working on expanding the awareness of radon in schools and homes. Also I like your aside about people at spas that use radon to increase their energy. I think that it is kind of silly that people would increase their exposure to a deadly gas so that they could increase their energy.