Updated: January 2023
During the month of January, Montgomery County joins a nationwide effort to educate homeowners and renters on the dangers of radon gas and the importance of testing every home. Radon Action Month focuses on the steps everyone can take to help ensure their home is radon free.
According to the EPA, radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
January is an especially good time to test homes for radon because windows and doors are closed tightly and people spend more time indoors. Testing typically happens in the lowest occupied level of a building since radon enters through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Radon tests are different from carbon monoxide and home smoke detectors.
EPA incidence of radon map
Councilmember Craig Rice, the lead sponsor of the County law requiring a radon test when a single-family home is sold, is an advocate for radon education.
“Due to the geology beneath us, Montgomery County is prone to higher levels of radon,” said Councilmember Rice. “Radon is a silent killer and our residents need to know about potential dangers in their homes so they can make smart decisions to protect their families. Being informed about radon starts by picking up, and using, a testing device.”
Radon testing devices can be purchased at local home improvement stores, online or directly from radon testing companies. Many are priced under $25 and can provide short-term or long-term readings.
Everyone should test their home for Radon! In January 2023 (check their websites for ongoing availability) the Maryland Department of Health is offering radon test kits for $3, one per address! Learn more!
The readings are provided in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your test results come back as 4 pCi/L or higher, then you should consult a qualified radon mitigation contractor.
For more information on radon, testing and finding a radon mitigation contractor, visit the DEP radon website at montgomerycountymd.gov/radon.
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This is some really good information about radon testings. I didn’t realize that radon can be a cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. That is a good thing for me to know because I just bought my first home. It seems like it would be smart for me to look into getting my home tested for radon leaks.
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! Getting your home tested for radon can help protect you and your family from a key cause of lung cancer. Because radon gas can’t be seen or smelled, the only way to know whether you’re being exposed to it is to test for it.
Thanks for all the information concerning about radon. It’s a pleasure to visit here. Getting your home tested it could save your life and your family because once radon inside your home, it can accumulate, and the higher the concentration, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.
My cousin noticed that her house is filled with radon, and since this is hazardous to health, she has decided to look for a radon mitigation service that may address the matter. Thank you for sharing here as well the importance of regular testing. Aside from this, you are also right that it would be smarter to consider the property’s location too.
I appreciate that you talked about how January is the best time to get a home radon level inspection, because windows and doors would be closed during that time. I will keep that in mind, especially when we will be moving to the new house we bought next year. We can get it tested by January and, if the levels are high, we will hire the professionals address the issue before we move in.
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