To view maps, illustrating radon in Nebraska, Visit HERE

Radon is a Serious Hazard

Submitted by Lorene Bartos, UNL Extension Educator

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RADON is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is estimated 20,000 deaths occur annually due to radon in homes. January is Radon Awareness Month. Have you tested your home?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas than can accumulate in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas you can’t see, smell or taste. Radon usually comes from the surrounding soil and can enter through cracks and openings on the lower level of your home. In outdoor air, radon is diluted to relatively harmless low concentrations. But, when trapped inside an enclosed space, radon can accumulate. Levels vary across the city, county and state. Levels in Nebraska vary from slightly high to very high. A map is available on the state radon website http://www.epa.gov/radon/states/nebraska.html. No home is free from radon risk. Most new homes are built with radon mitigation systems installed.

Testing for radon is the only way to know if your home is at risk for radon exposure. Conducting a radon test is as easy as opening a package, placing the detector in a the designated areas, and after a set number of days, sending the detector back to the lab for analysis. A short term test takes two to seven days. The long term kits remains in the home for 90 days to one year. The short term kits will give an indication if the radon level is high.

The Nebraska Radon program is offering short term radon test kits for $5 each. Long term test kits are available for $15. No credit cards accepted.

To place an order by mail: (Make your check payable to: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) and send to:

Nebraska Radon Program, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509

Walk in: (exact change or check is required):

Nebraska State Office Building, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE, (Go to 3rd floor and speak with the receptionist)

Information for getting a test kit is available on the Nebraska Department of Heath and Human Services Radon Office website (http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/radon). Phone: 402-471-0594 or 800-334-9491.

Any home test showing 4.0 pCi/L or more should be mitigated. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency suggests you hire a certified or qualified radon mitigation contractor to fix your home. Check the phone book or with the State Radon Office for mitigation companies.

Online resources available are:

The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon - http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction - How to Fix your Home - http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html

Take ACTION today to check your home. Encourage your friends, neighbors and family members to do the same.