CDPH Encourages California Residents to Test Homes for Radon During National Radon Action Month

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reminds residents that January is National Radon Action Month and the cold winter months are the best time to test for this radioactive gas. The agency also reports that radon has been found in every county in the state.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes radon as a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels inside a home or other type of building. This includes new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without a basement. This occurs because radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into a home or building through cracks and other holes in the foundation. While radon from soil gas is the main cause of problems, in some situations, radon can also enter a building through well water.

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. In the United States, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend fixing homes with radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. The EPA also recommends that people consider fixing their homes for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

“Radon is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “One cannot see, smell or taste radon so the only way to know if it is a problem in a home or building is to have it tested. It is also important for people to recognize that two structures right next to each other could easily have different radon levels indoors due to differences in construction and other factors that could impact how much radon enters a building. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for it.”

Fortunately, testing a home or building is affordable and if a problem is found, it can be fixed. LA Testing, with multiple laboratories across California, offers radon testing and easy-to-use test kits. The radon specialists also recently sponsored an educational video about National Radon Action Month that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/SAOP0zz6yjo.

To learn more about radon or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to radon test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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