Citizens are urged to test their homes.
FREDERICK, MD. (LG) Local health departments are joining together with Maryland Departments of the Environment, Health, and Housing and Community Development to urge Maryland residents to test their homes for radon exposure during Radon Awareness Week in Maryland. ” Radon is an invisible, odorless gas found in the earth’s soil that can reach harmful levels when trapped in areas like basements and first floors because of the proximity to the ground,” said Benjamin Grumbles, Secretary to the Maryland Department of the Environment. “The longer an individual or family are exposed to radon, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.”
Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores or directly from radon testing companies. Many are priced under $25.00. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs such as painting or having a new water heater installed. “You should test your home for radon to protect your family. “It’s a cause of cancer, but it’s absolutely manageable, so the key is to test your home for radon.”
For more information visit MDE.Maryland.Gov/radon
-Loretta Gaines