National Radon Action Month

Take a deep breath in.

Did you know that right this minute, you could be inhaling a cancer-causing gas responsible for killing an average of 20,000 Americans each year? It’s true. The scariest part? This gas, known as radon, is virtually undetectable by our senses because it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It’s a silent killer that can flourish under the radar in any home, any school, and any building. Luckily, increased exposure is totally preventable by using a good-quality radon detector. This month, in recognition of National Radon Action Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges you to get educated about radon prevention and to make indoor testing a habit so that you don’t become a statistic. Read more about radon protection

Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes

American Profile recently interviewed Michael Vogel, director of the Montana chapter of Healthy Indoor Air for American’s Homes. He has been offering indoor air quality advice for over 20 years.

Vogel points out that “Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote an article on the importance of fresh air and ventilation back in the 1800s” – but today, experts know much more about the risks of various pollutants. Read more about indoor air quality

Cell Phone Use Linked to Brain Tumors in Children

Ask ten people to name ten possessions that they can’t live without, and most are likely to list their cell phones. But these convenient devices may be much more dangerous than their owners realize, especially when it comes to use among children.

The Daily Green reports that a Swedish study found that people who begin using cell phones before the age of 20 are five times more likely to develop a glioma, a form of brain cancer.
Children are more susceptible to developing cancer from exposure to cell phone radiation because their brains and skulls are not fully developed. The Independent put it this way: “They are more at risk because their brains and nervous systems are still developing and because – since their heads are smaller and their skulls are thinner – the radiation penetrates deeper into their brains.” Read more about cell phones and cancer

Federal Agencies Hold First Healthy Homes Summit

Last week four federal agencies held their first Healthy Homes Summit in Baltimore. The goal of the summit was to promote the building of healthy homes free of lead, chemicals, mold, moisture, and pests.

“Health doesn’t happen in the hospital. It happens at home,” says Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our goal isn’t to be Big Brother, but people are asking for advice and information.” Read more about the Healthy Homes Summit

Reduce Cancer Risk Factors in Your Environment

Cancer is now the leading cause of death worldwide. While there is a genetic component to cancer, you can reduce your risk greatly by exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and avoiding carcinogens in your environment.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) points out the most common environmental carcinogens:

Air Pollution

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms in soil and rock, and it can build up to dangerous levels in your home undetected. Exposure to radon is a known cause of lung cancer, and this stealthy gas may kill over 30,000 Americans per year. Install a radon detection kit to protect your family. Learn more about environmental carcinogens

Granite Countertops May Emit Radon

Just last month, the New York Times reported that granite countertops may emit harmful levels of radon. As granite countertops have become more popular, the media has been receiving more reports of high radon readings.

Lou Witt, program analyst at the EPA’s Indoor Environments Division, says, “We’ve been hearing from people all over the country concerned about high readings” – referring to measurements of radiation that go far above normal background levels. Read more about radon in granite countertops

Do I Need A Radon Detector?

Yes! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), naturally occurring radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. alone – second only to cigarette smoking among causes of lung cancer.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that’s undetectable by humans. It forms when uranium decays, and then it seeps out from rock formations and certain building materials. Read more about radon detectors