Eau Claire (WQOW) - The Eau Claire County Health Department
is encouraging the community to get your home tested for radon. Radon is a gas
that can be very dangerous to your health.
"You just can't go
by what your neighbor did, or somebody you know did, you have to actually test
yourself to know what levels you're at," said Valerie Reiter of the Eau
Claire City-County Health Department.
Radon is all around us; it's an
element that's in the air we breathe every day. But too much of it can cause
problems.
"It is the second
leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. It's something you're not going
to see immediate effects from, its over a long term exposure," Reiter
said.
Recent tests show that nearly 40
percent of all Eau Claire
homes have levels that exceed EPA standards. Because you can't taste, smell, or
see it, it's hard to know if your house is at risk.
"You have to have a
special test or these test kits in order to know if it's at high levels in your
home," said Reiter.
We asked area residents if they've
ever had their home checked.
"At the house that
I previously owned, I had it tested twice. I think it's a good idea. At the
place I rent now, I am going to look into that, see if it has been tested
previously," said one man.
"I've never had my
home tested for radon, so yeah I have no idea what radon does. It's kind of
scary," another man said.
A simple test can be
bought at health departments, hardware stores, or online. Simply set the test
in the lowest living area of your home for 48 hours. Then, following the
instructions on your kit, send it in and wait for the results.
Radon comes from the ground around
your home. If your test shows you have dangerously high levels of radon, there
are some minor repairs that could end up saving a life.
"Filling cracks and
crevices in your home if you have exposed dirt," Reiter said.
Radon levels can vary in your home
from day to day, so there are both short term and long term tests available.
The tests may be done at any time of the year.
