A silent killer may be stalking Nebraskans, attacking where least expected.
Our homes may be under siege.
The culprit: Radon. A colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas, radon is produced from decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. Radon naturally occurs in soil, entering through cracks and openings on the lowest level of a home.
Occasionally, radon will enter a home through well water.
Radon is the main cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, claiming close to 20,000 lives per year, including 2,900 deaths among people who have never smoked.
Lung cancer now exceeds breast cancer as the leading cause of death among women, and lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer.
Unfortunately, radon levels are at their highest during winter months.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates one in every 15 homes nationwide has elevated radon levels.
Sections of Nebraska are at greater risk, though. One out of ever two radon tests conducted shows elevated rates.
Outside, radon is diluted in the air. Inside, it can become a deadly force, waiting to attack.
Homes with an annual average radon level at or about 4 picocuries per liter need to take action.
The EPA established three risk zones. Zone one means highest risk, zone two indicates moderate risk, and zone three specifies low risk.
Look at a map of Nebraska and you’ll discover three distinct zones geographically, as well. But regardless of geographic location, high levels in homes have been tested in all three zones.
Sixty-three of Nebraska counties fall in zone 1. The eastern third of the state, as well as all but two counties along the southern border, and a handful of panhandle counties fit here. Knox County falls in this category.
Those ranked in the second zone are scattered throughout Nebraska. Some are in the panhandle, and the center of Nebraska. Antelope Counties fit this category.
Counties with low risk are primarily located in the Sandhills, running from Holt to Sheridan County, and as far south as the St. Paul area.
How can you determine if your home is falling prey to this dangerous killer?
Conducting a home test is the only way to determine the radon level in a residence. Test kits cost between $5 and $20.
The Nebraska Radon Program offers kits for home testing.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services suggests homeowners conduct tests using a do-it-yourself kit. Start by running a short-term test, lasting from two days to one week.
If the test results show a rate higher than 4, a follow-up test should be conducted. This second test should run at least three months, and in some instances, up to a year to determine the average exposure to the gas.
More serious cases may require a mitigation specialist, with costs of repairs ranging from $800 to $2,500. Many new homes include a passive radon system during construction.
Since mid-winter’s chill is keeping most of us indoors, now is the best time to check for this silent killer.
It may save your life.







