By Toi Degree

National Radon Action Month is dedicated to increasing awareness about radon exposure and advocating for those affected by its emotional, financial and physical toll. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It can reach dangerous levels in your home without your knowledge.

Radon forms naturally as uranium, thorium or radium — radioactive metals in rocks, soil and groundwater — break down. Exposure occurs primarily through breathing radon-laden air that enters buildings through cracks and gaps. Since radon originates from the earth, everyone is exposed to some level of it.

The risks of radon exposure

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers, claiming over 21,000 lives annually. Despite its risks, radon exposure is preventable. Testing your home’s radon levels can help identify and mitigate potential dangers. If high radon levels are detected, mitigation techniques and reduction systems can lower the risk.

Free radon test kits available in North Carolina

In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering 2,000 free radon test kits starting Jan. 1. Kits can be ordered at radon.ncdhhs.gov. Testing is the only way to know if you or your family is at risk.

Efforts to raise awareness include outreach to community organizations and resources in 16 languages. For more details, go to the NCDHHS radon mitigation webpage. Supplies are limited to one test kit per household.

Frequently asked questions about radon

Do I need to test my home even if it doesn’t have a basement?

Yes, all homes should be tested, including condos, townhomes, homes with crawl spaces, slab foundations, manufactured homes and apartments.

Will granite countertops increase radon levels?

Probably not. Current data does not support the idea that commonly used granite countertops significantly increase indoor radon levels.

How does radon enter my home?

Radon is drawn into homes through various pathways, including cracks and gaps. Buildings act like vacuums, pulling gases such as radon indoors.

Can I install my own mitigation system?

Yes, but check local building codes and permit requirements. Electrical work may require a licensed electrician, and homeowners’ associations might have additional rules.

If I have a mitigation system, is my radon level safe?

Not necessarily. Mitigation systems, especially those installed decades ago, may not function effectively over time. It’s recommended to test your home every five years to ensure radon levels remain low.

Take proactive steps to protect your family’s health. Order your free radon test kit today at radon.ncdhhs.gov.

Toi N. Degree is associate family and consumer education agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Contact her at 704-216-8970 or by email at toi_degree@ncsu.edu.