Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department
Radon Action Month, observed in January each year, is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about radon gas and its associated health risks. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) works to educate the public about radon, how it is formed, where it can be found, and the health risks associated with the exposure. Many people are unaware of radon and its dangers, so this month provides an opportunity to share important information.
“Radon is present in every building. The only way to determine the radon levels in each home and building is through testing,” states Hunter York, Senior Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Nebraska has a very high incidence of radon in homes. More than half the homes in Nebraska that test for radon produce a result of more than 4.0 pCi/L.”
Homes are more at risk for radon exposure when:
· They are closer to the ground, such as basements or underground mines.
· There are cracks or fissures in the concrete foundations of buildings and houses.
· There are open spaces around sump pumps or other pipes.
· They are poorly ventilated.
The Nebraska Radon Resistant New Construction Act was passed in 2019, mandating that all new constructions incorporate radon-resistant features, which has contributed to lower radon exposure in homes. For homes that register elevated radon levels, a licensed radon professional can help with the mitigation process. Radon mitigation employs various strategies to decrease radon levels within a home.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing homes for radon every two years. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can make informed choices about when to implement radon reduction strategies, thereby enhancing the health and safety of their families and homes.
For more information on radon testing call Hunter York at 308-345-4223. The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves nine counties including Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Our website, swhealth.ne.gov, contains many resources and additional information that are helpful to prevent disease, promote healthy habits, and protect health. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.