National Radon Action Month and How to Test a Home or Building

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America, claiming the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. To increase the public’s awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and to advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices, the month of January is designated as National Radon Action Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water. In homes and buildings, it can accumulate to dangerous levels as it moves up through the ground to the indoor air through cracks and other holes in the foundation. In some situations, radon can also enter through well water.

Knowing the radon level indoors, where people spend a considerable amount of time, is important because when building occupants breathe in radon, radioactive particles from it can get trapped in the lungs. It may take years of exposure to elevated levels of radon before health problems appear.

“Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in homes and buildings can help prevent unnecessary exposure,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “If elevated radon levels are detected, there are steps that can be taken to fix the problem to protect families and building occupants. This is why both the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.”

Structures with high levels of radon have been found in every state according to the EPA. To help identify these exposure risks, EMSL Analytical provides affordable testing solutions and easy-to-use test kits. Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about National Radon Action Month that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/SAOP0zz6yjo

To learn more about radon or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ), occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . To access radon and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail