The Oregon Health Authority wants you to check your home for a potentially cancer-causing gas.  Radon can build up in your home and you'd never know it.  The OHA’s Brett Sherry says it's invisible and doesn't smell.

 

"Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes up from out of the ground," he said.  "It's a problem, because it can build up to dangerous levels in our homes and the main health concern from radon exposure is lung cancer."

 

The EPA said radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.  Where it’s found in Oregon varies.

 

"You never really know," Sherry said.  "You can't base a decision about the radon potential in an area on the surrounding test results. You might be the only house on the block that has high radon levels. It's kind of hit or miss." 

 

Test kits are available at hardware stores.  It's best to test during the winter, when homes are sealed up and more gas might be present.  If found in your home, radon mitigation companies can install a ventilation system that moves the gas out of your house.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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