This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Federal Radon Action Week: Oct. 15-21

More fatalities have been caused by radon this year than from carbon monoxide, fires and handguns combined. The EPA and Surgeon General urge all home owners to take action and have their home tested.

The US Surgeon General and several health agencies are working together to promote the Federal Radon Action Week from October 15 – 21. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, killing over 21,000 Americans each year and it is 100 percent preventable. The Center for Disease Control, The National Cancer Institute, and The American Lung Association all encourage radon testing during this drive for awareness because it is a national health problem.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the soil. This deadly gas is present in homes throughout the country and has been found at elevated levels in all parts of metro Atlanta. Hamilton Mill, Sugarloaf, and Deaton Creek have consistently shown to be areas of concern based on professional testing results.

Because radon is a noble gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, professional testing is recommended to determine the levels in homes. If elevated levels are found, simple repairs can be made to the home to reduce the radon levels.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

More American fatalities have been caused by radon than from carbon monoxide, fires and handguns combined this year. The EPA and Surgeon General urge all home owners to take action and have their home tested every two years.

To learn more, visit http://www.radonadvisor.com or call 770-338-0051

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?