What is radon gas?
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is a naturally occurring gas due to the breakdown of uranium in soils, rocks, and water.
How does it get into my home?
Radon can enter your home from surrounding soils through cracks and other holes in your home's foundation. Radon is then trapped within the home and testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk of exposure.
Will radon gas make me sick?
There are no short-term health effects associated with radon. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and Surgeon General, prolonged exposures to high concentrations over time may attribute to lung cancer. Thus, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
How do I test for radon gas?
Testing is simple as opening a package, placing a radon detector in your home in an appropriate area, and after the recommended number of days, sealing the detector back in the package and mailing it to the lab for analysis. Please contact the Health Department to check for free radon test kits (when available). Test kits can be purchased at your local hardware stores or from a licensed radon tester.
Questions?
Please contact the Monroe County Health Department for further assistance.
Indiana State Department of Health Radon Information and Certification