Radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless which means it’s virtually indetectable. In fact, the only way to discover whether or not it’s a problem in your residence, is to specifically test air samples for it. That is why it’s extremely important that all homeowners – regardless of location – test their home for the presence of radon gas.

Free Radon Testing Kits for Pennsylvania Residents – Ends Sept. 30

September is going to be the last month that local Pennsylvania residents can acquire a free radon testing kit from the American Lung Association (ALA). That means, if you haven’t already done so you should order a testing kit for your home.

The American Lung Association is offering the free testing kits as part of a program to raise awareness about the deadly gas. The program has been funded thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania branch of the Department of Environmental Protection. The program has also been pushing various counties in the state to test their home, or have it tested by a professional.

Why Everyone [Eligible] Should Order a Free Radon Testing Kit

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and claims the lives of more than 20,000 Americans every year. The biggest issue is that most people have no idea radon gas exists. There are no short term symptoms of exposure either, so by the time homeowners realize there’s even a problem – someone in their immediate family may already be sick. Worse yet, lung cancer does not exhibit any symptoms until later stages of the disease – often by the time patients are diagnosed it has progressed far beyond a curable state.

According to survey data, about one in every fifteen homes in the country have elevated levels of the deadly gas. That number is already pretty high, but the ALA claims that the risk of radon in Pennsylvania is even greater than a lot of other states.

Radon can seep into a home through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring. It is released as a decay product of uranium, which appears commonly in soil.

Important Contacts for the Free Radon Testing Kits

The program has been in place for nearly three years now, and will finally be coming to an end on September 30, 2014. If you’re interested in acquiring a free testing kit, you can fill out the online form as the ALA website.

Interestingly enough, the ALA will also offer school and community based residences tests provided they contact the appropriate officials. Schools and community organizations may email [email protected] about the testing kits, or more information.

Again, it is extremely important that you test your home for the presence of radon. We recommend testing twice a year, once in the summer and another time in the winter. If a short-term test returns negative results, then you should certainly perform a long-term test for a more accurate average reading. In the event that you do discover elevated levels in your home, get in touch with a certified radon mitigation contractor in order to install the proper ventilation system in your residence.

Share this information with others, as well. The more that knows about the dangers of radon, the more lives will be saved.

Via: Times Online