Radon: The Odorless, Invisible Threat 5 Tips to Stay Healthy When You Have a Sick Kid

Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas. It's naturally released from rocks, soil, and water, and it can get trapped inside your home, office, or school. There's no known safe level of radon. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of radon exposure as there are with carbon monoxide poisoning.

What makes radon so dangerous

Breathing high levels of radon over time can lead to lung cancer. In fact, radon is a Class A carcinogen. It's the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Nationwide, 21,000 people die from radon-caused lung cancer each year.

Smoking and secondhand smoke, combined with exposure to high radon levels, increase your risk of lung cancer. If you or your family are experiencing breathing issues, consult with a pulmonologist.

Radon can be found in any home — old or new — and typically enters through cracks in the foundation caused by natural settling and windows. Radon levels are often higher in lower levels and basements. Across the U.S., 1 in 15 homes have elevated radon levels.

Test your nest for radon

There's a simple solution to this close-tohome health hazard: Test your nest. That's what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges all homeowners to do, as it’s the only way to determine the radon level in your home.

You can find radon testing kits online or at hardware or other home maintenance stores. They run about $20 or less and are easy to use. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to find out your radon level. It typically takes two to seven days for results. Since there's no safe level of radon, you should always aim for the lowest level. The EPA recommends 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or less.

If your home tests higher than 4 pCi/L, then you'll need to have a professional fix the radon issue, which includes installing venting equipment. The equipment looks like a big tube that reaches below the foundation of your home and vents radon up and out of the house. Unfortunately, the system can be expensive, but you may be able to apply for assistance from the state.

Once the mitigation system has been installed, your home should be tested again to make sure the fix is effective. Even if your home passes the first test, you should retest every two years.

Also, radon testing is not required when selling a home. So, as a buyer, you should insist on it. If levels are high, you can negotiate costs with the seller.

Who should I hire to test or fix my home?

If you are interested in finding a service provider to test for radon or mitigate (fix) your home, contact Florida’s state radon program for help in finding qualified professionals.

Currently, the EPA requires states receiving indoor radon grants to maintain and provide the public with a list of only those radon service providers who are credentialed either through:

• An existing state-run process established under a state’s regulatory requirements for credentialing radon service providers (e.g., state license), or

• One of the two currently recognized national radon proficiency programs:

1. National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)

Toll-Free: (828) 348-0185

Email: National Radon Proficiency Program (info@nrpp.info)

2. National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

Phone: (914) 345-1168

Fax: (914) 345-1169

Email: National Radon Safety Board (info@NRSB.org)

More ways to take action

• Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. This is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.

• Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.

• Ask about radon-resistant construction techniques if you are buying a new home.

For more help with radon information, testing kits and abatement professionals, state assistance programs, home buyers and sellers’ guides, and for radon hotlines, visit epa.gov. j newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org cdc.gov

During the winter months, it can seem like our kids come down with a case of the sniffles every other week; most young children catch eight to ten colds a year.

2. Good hygiene is key. Make sure everyone, yourself included, is thoroughly washing their hands. Place hand sanitizer throughout the house so it can be used often.

We do catch more colds in the winter. Scientists even recently discovered how colder temperatures can short-circuit specialized cells in the nose that attack invading viruses.

This year, in addition to common colds, we've had to contend with the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. So it would be a minor miracle if our children manage to make it to spring without any illnesses.

Here are five ways to keep yourself and the rest of your family well when one of the children is sick.

1. Teach your children to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. One way is to cough or sneeze into their bent elbow, "like Dracula does." If they use a tissue instead, have them throw away the tissue immediately.

3. Consider immune boosters for the entire family, such as zinc and vitamin C, and take them before you get sick. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to get these naturally.

4. Regularly disinfect toys and any other surfaces the sick child may have come in contact with. Keep disinfectant wipes handy. Also, get the sick child a new toothbrush as soon as they are well to avoid reinfection.

5. Take care of yourself – a sick kid can be exhausting. Get as much rest as possible. Ask a relative or friend to look after the healthy children. j weather.com