Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, gas that is stored below the ground, but can easily get inside residential buildings. Radon gas is also radioactive and is the most abundant source of naturally occurring radiation humans are exposed to. Currently, Wisconsin has no radon has regulations, so it is important to test your home.
Hazards of Radon:
Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. In addition to cancers, radon gas may also make other chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma more severe.
General spread of Radon:
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1 in 10 homes in Wisconsin have high radon levels.
Radon occurs naturally in our region because of the local geology and how glaciers shaped the land. However, levels can vary widely, even between neighboring homes. Because radon is colorless and odorless, the only way to know your homes level is to test.
How to Monitor Radon:
New homeowners and tenants are urged to test their space to ensure it stays at or below 4.0pCi/L (and encouraged to aim at or below 2.0pCi/L). Additionally, after any new home renovations it is important to re-test to ensure radon has is not leaking from a newly opened source.
The North Shore Health Department has Radon Tests available for purchase in person! Come see us at 5901 N Milwaukee River Pkwy, Glendale, WI 53209 to pick up a test kit for $8.
How to Use Radon Test Kit:
When you receive your radon test kit, there are a few important steps that are crucial to know.:
Do not remove test kit from packaging until you are ready to test
When you are ready to test, place test kit in the lowest level of your home that you spend at least 7 hours/day in
If you only use your basement for storage/laundry, test in the next floor up (living room /bedroom)
If testing in living room, make sure doors to bedrooms/bathrooms remain closed during testing
Do not put in rooms with high humidity or direct sunlight (avoid bathrooms/sunrooms)
Place test on a surface between 2-7 feet off the ground (coffee table, nightstand, etc.)
Record date and time at start of test
Leave your test for 48-90 hours
Record date and time at end of test
Follow instructions for packaging and shipping provided with the kit
Watch Tanya, one of our Public Health Strategists, walk us through how to use a radon test kit.
Click here to view a video tutorial from the National Radon Defense
How to Reduce Radon Levels:
A certified contractor can help with reducing radon gas through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
To learn more: Wisconsin DHS Radon Information
To find a Radon Contractor: Wisconsin DHS - NRPP
Watch this Video for More Information: Radon 101
EPA Radon Levels Map:
The EPA has an interactive map that shows the average radon levels in your community. Use the map below or Click here to access map on their website.