Compared to adults, babies and children have a higher breathing rate and less developed lungs. This means babies and children can be more susceptible to environmental damage to the lungs than adults, like in the case of radon.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It’s a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is dangerous in large, concentrated quantities. Radon is heavier than air, so it stays near the ground or floor, where children play. Radon is invisible, tasteless, and odorless. The only way to know if you have high levels of radon in your home is to test for it. Testing is simple and relatively quick. The good news about having high levels of radon in your home is that they can be fixed and reduced!

What can you do to make your home safer?  Assess your house and potential exposure to radon.

  1. Have you tested your home for radon? If it has been over two years, you should test again.
  2. Do you have a basement where your children spend a lot of their time? Basements will have a higher level of radon than first floors, so it is important to test your basement for radon.
  3. Does anyone in your family smoke? Smoking and being exposed to high levels of radon greatly increase you risk of developing lung cancer.
  4. Do you no longer have children in your home? You should still test. Radon affects people of all ages.

TAKE ACTION! – Test your home for radon.

  • Test your home. If you live in Georgia you can order a radon test kit at www.ugaradon.org. If you live in another state go to the EPA website  to learn more about testing in your state.
  • Encourage one friend or family member to test their home for radon.

For additional information on making your home healthier visit:

Please tell us in the comments or by email what one thing you did to make your home safer for your family.

Living Healthy Living Green 

 

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