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Health & Fitness

Radon, a Lethal, Invisible Intruder

It seems particularly shocking when a lifelong non-smoker receives a diagnosis of lung cancer. When that happens, radon is usually the culprit.

It seems particularly shocking when a lifelong non-smoker receives a diagnosis of lung cancer. When that happens, radon—a naturally-occurring, colorless, odorless gas—is usually the culprit. Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year. It presents a threat in homes in every state, and its presence can vary greatly from one home to the home right next door.

But it's cheap and easy to test for radon, and easy and affordable to control. To obtain a radon test kit, you can:

  • Buy one from your local home improvement or hardware store. Many kits are priced under $25.
  • Order one online from Kansas State University's National Radon Program Services.
  • Contact your state radon program for more information about obtaining test kits from your state or from a radon testing company or laboratory in your area.

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[from USA.gov News, January 2012]

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