Okay, so the number one cause of lung cancer is smoking, and inhaling second hand smoke is just as bad. It stands to reason that if you don’t smoke you don’t have to worry about lung cancer, right? Don’t fall into a false sense of security like that, because believe it or not radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and many countries over.

At this point, you’re probably thinking oh well, radon isn’t a problem for me I just bought a new home that was built this year. Wrong. Radon is released during the naturally occuring radioactive decay of elements such as Uranium, which commonly exist in soil, rock and even water. In other words, radon gas can seep into any home regardless of geographical location, and composition. Modern homes are built using radon resisistant construction, but that doesn’t make them completely immune to the problem.

Radon can definitely be an issue in your home, apartment, business or residence. You may be living with elevated levels – equal to smoking three packs a day – without even knowing it. That is exactly why it’s imperative that you have your home tested, or test it yourself for the presence of radon.

Test Your Home for Radon Gas, It Increases Your Risk for Lung Cancer

We’re actually in one of two perfect seasons to have your home tested for radon gas. The two best times of the year to test are during the summer and winter months. This is because these are the times of the year that you are least likely to open doors and windows, and it’s also because warm and cold weather have an effect on radon levels.

Always test the lowest livable space in your home. Since radon is a dense gas it remains on the lowest levels more often, but keep in mind that doesn’t mean it won’t be a problem elsewhere. You may find a particular room that has higher levels, especially in larger homes, residences and structures.

For more information on testing, we have plenty of resources available. The real point here is that either you are having your home tested by an experienced professsional, or you’re doing it yourself. The longer you spend with elevated levels the more it increases your risk for lung cancer. In other words, long-term exposure causes the biggest threat to your health so you should take action as soon as possible.

Mitigation May Be Necessary to Prevent Lung Cancer

If elevated levels are discovered in your home above the recommended action limit of 4.0 pCi/L – as set by the US EPA – then mitigation is necessary. This involves installing a ventilation system that removes the radon gas from your home. Generally, they are placed below the foundation and include a vent pipe that releases the radon out into the open air where it can disperse.

For more information on radon mitigation or about radon professionals check out our resources.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and many countries over. It’s the first in non-smokers. In the U.S. alone it’s responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans each year. Since exposure to this odorless, colorless and tasteless deadly gas can directly lead to lung cancer it makes sense to talk about the disease too.

New Research Suggests Lung Cancer Can Hide in the Body For up to 20 Years

Photo by Melania Tata (Flickr)

According to some new research, lung cancer may actually hide inside a person’s body for up to 20 years before it expands and becomes more of a problem. The most promising news about this research is that it may eventually help doctors identify early warning signs of lung cancer. That’s important because lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of any form of cancer. This is because patients do not generally show symptoms until later stages in the disease. Generally, by the time most lung cancer patients begin to show symptoms it has already progressed beyond a curable state and spread openly.

A total of 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, and fewer than 10% of those diagnosed actually survive long enough to see remission. The study author, Charles Swanton says that maybe in time this “devastatingly low” survival rate can be influenced by better prediction methods.

“Survival from lung cancer remains devastatingly low with many new targeted treatments making a limited impact on the disease. By understanding how it develops we’ve opened up the disease’s evolutionary rule book in the hope that we can start to predict its next steps.”

How This Lung Cancer Research Was Conducted

The research was conducted by Cancer Research UK in collaboration with the Rosetrees Trust. To collect all the necessary information they studied lung cancer in several different patients including smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers.

As a result, they discovered that genetic mistakes can naturally cause the cancer to appear, which can sometimes stay hidden for years at a time. In turn, when the disease finally strikes and begins to grow it does so much more rapidly. Essentially, a cancerous tumor has separate parts all of which are affected differently. So, in cases where cancer treatment might slow or eliminate one part of a tumor, it could fail to do so on another part. It’s this kind of evolutionary tactic tumors use that make cancer so difficult to cure and fight off.

Professor Nic Jones, Cancer Research UK’s chief scientist, says that this new study further solidifies the fact that we need to find cancer as soon as possible when it is a problem.

“This fascinating research highlights the need to find better ways to detect lung cancer earlier when it’s still following just one evolutionary path, If we can nip the disease in the bud and treat it before it has started travelling down different evolutionary routes we could make a real difference in helping more people survive the disease.”

Prevent Lung Cancer: Stop Smoking and Have Your Home Tested for Radon Today

This research also goes to show that you absolutely want to reduce the risk of contracting lung cancer for both yourself and your family. The best way to do this is to stop smoking – if you are smoking – or prevent yourself and your family from being around tobacco smoke. The other way to decrease your risk for lung cancer is to test your home for the presence of radon, and have a mitigation system installed if elevated levels are discovered.

Please remember that radon can exist anywhere and in any type of home, residence or building. It doesn’t matter whether the home is new or old. Even modern homes with radon resistant construction can still be susceptible. Radon is a naturally occuring gas released from common elements – such as Uranium – in the soil and rock underneath our feet. In that respect, it can be a problem anywhere regardless of geographical location.

Long story short, have your home tested as soon as possible or pick up a testing kit at your local hardware store and do-it-yourself.

Via: Design & Trend

Photo by Nicolas Raymond (freestock.ca)

Imagine going to the doctor, being pulled into a private room and quietly told you have lung cancer. Before the true brevity of that statement and the internal pain can set in, the doctor tells you that you have only about a year to two years left with your loved ones. He gives you a long speech about what might have happened, or where the cancer might have come from. Then he briefly touches on forms of treatment including chemo and surgery. Finally, he closes out the conversation with “I’m very sorry,” and warnings like “it’s time to get your life in order.”

It’s a scary prospect indeed, but it’s one that many people will go through at some point in their lives. The scariest part is that lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates out of all forms of cancer. About 32%, or 32 out of every 100 people diagnosed with lung cancer will live for a year after they are diagnosed. Around 10%, or 10 out of every 100 will be lucky enough to live for about five years after being diagnosed. An even smaller percentage (5%) will live for up to ten years.

In other words, you don’t want to be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Radon Gas is Truly the Silent Killer

As is true of most forms of cancer, the severity of the disease depends on how soon it’s detected. Unfortunately, lung cancer is extremely difficult to detect in its early stages. By the time most patients diagnosed with lung cancer begin showing symptoms, it’s already too late – the disease has progressed beyond an entirely curable state.

Taking all of that into account, what if I told you that you could easily prevent this from ever happening to you? Sure, there are no guarantees especially considering some forms of cancer are genetic in nature. That said, you can definitely decrease the risk of contracting the disease. That’s important, because quite frankly who the hell doesn’t want to live a long, healthy life?

Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, but that’s obvious. The second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States – and many countries over – is from exposure to the silent killer, radon gas. Secondhand smoke exposure takes third place, believe it or not.

More than 20,000 Americans die each year thanks to radon induced lung cancer, and most of them have no clue they were even exposed to the silent killer. This is because radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It’s virtually indetectable, unless you have an exclusive radon testing kit. Luckily, they are pretty cheap and can be found at your local hardware store or online.

For all intents and purposes, radon gas truly is the silent killer and it could be lurking in your home.

Where Does the Silent Killer Radon Come From?

Radon seeps into a home from underneath the foundation, floors and walls. Elements such as Uranium – commonly found in soil and rock under the surface – release radioactive radon daughters or particles. These particles collect, forming what we refer to as radon gas. Once inhaled, the radon gas particles can get stuck to the inner linings of the lungs where they continue to undergo radioactive decay. This affects the cells in the body, turning them cancerous – or at least into the deadly form of cancer.

Since the elements that give off radon are common everywhere, radon gas can be a problem everywhere. It doesn’t matter what part of the United States you live, or what type of home you have. Single family homes, trailers and manufactured homes, apartments, highrise buildings, industrial buildings they can all be affected. If you run a business, even your business can be contaminated by radon gas.

You Could Be Living with the Silent Killer in Your Home, Test for Radon Today

You could have levels in your residence so high, that exposure is equal to smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, and yet not have any clue it’s there. The only way to discover whether or not radon is a problem is to test for it. You can test for it yourself with a DIY kit, or you can hire an experienced professional to test and explore the results with you. All that matters if you test your home.

Of course, if elevated levels are discovered above 4.0 pCi/L which is the recommended action limit as set by the U.S. EPA then you’ll need to have a mitigation system installed. It sounds complicated, but really it’s nothing more than a makeshift ventilation system that removes the radon gas from inside the home and vents it into the open air where it’s no longer hazardous (it disperses evenly so it’s not as concentrated).

You can find more information about testing, radon professionals, or just general radon stuff here at Radon Resources. If you have any questions feel free to email us, or you can head on over to the dedicated radon gas U.S. EPA page.

A Kentucky family found out the hard way that tenants in the state are under no legal obligation to disclose radon information, including testing results that prove there are elevated radon levels – if they even have any results available.

“We didn’t get any information from the office that there were any issues with radon, so we just assumed that, because it was new construction, everything would be OK and everything was up to code,” said local resident Nikki Edwards. “We didn’t know as renters that they didn’t have to check that.”

The Edwards’ family had to make a quick move to Lexington Kentucky, after Mr. Edwards landed a new job in the area. They picked out a home to rent for themselves and their five children, choosing one in the McConnell Trace subdivision.

Kentucky Family Discovers Elevated Radon Levels Inside Rental Home

Photo by Jason Phillips

LEX 18 – the media group behind the original story – investigated by installing a radon detector in the Edwards’ home in order to get some idea of what the radon levels were inside. It returned readings in excess of 12 pCi/L, which is well over three times the recommended action limit as set by the U.S. EPA (4.0 pCi/L).

Unfortunately, elevated radon levels are quite prevalent all over the state of Kentucky despite a lack of legislation in place to protect homeowners, renters and residents. In fact, according to Kyle Hoylman, president of the Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals there are absolutely no state laws in place in protecting renters from radon.

“There are no requirements for landlords to build radon-passive construction design into new construction, or notify tenants moving in that they should have a radon test, or radon levels exist if they do know about them.”

Homes With Elevated Radon Levels Can Be Extremely Hazardous

One might get the impression that radon isn’t a big issue, considering lawmakers don’t spend a lot of time addressing the situation. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans each year. Since long-term exposure is what causes the most damage, those affected are clearly living under contaminated living conditions for a long time. That means, most of them have no idea radon is even a problem, let alone that it’s collected in great amounts inside their home.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that’s virtually indetectable. It seeps up from the soil and rock in the ground, released as a natural decay product of uranium and other common elements. Once inside a home it collects in great amounts, and because it’s so dense it generally remains on the lowest levels. That doesn’t mean it can’t seep elsewhere inside the home.

Elevated Radon Levels Can Be Found In Any Home

Modern construction calls for radon resistant techniques to be used, however all homes are susceptible to radon gas – new and old. Don’t fall into the trap of believing it could never exist in your home. The only way to discover whether or not it’s a problem is to test for it.

Hoylman says that there are an estimated 700 Kentucky residents diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and 500 deaths related to radon gas exposure. Furthermore, over half of all Lexington area homes have elevated radon levels inside – meaning residents are living in contaminated environments.

“Because we don’t have any set of regulations requiring passive control, every single year … I have more homes to fix in Fayette County than I started with at the beginning of the year.”

In other words, as time goes on the problem is only getting worse. Radon awareness needs to become a priority not just in Kentucky, but across the entire country. The more people that know about the problem and have their home tested, the more lives will be saved.

Photo by Fremont Tribune

According to Joel Haman, supervisor of public risk at the Three Rivers District Health Department in Fremont, Nebraska radon is much more prevalant in the area than most people realize. Of course, this is true of all areas in the country considering radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans each year.

Haman points out that while the national radon level average is 1.3 picoliters (pCi/L), “Saunders County average is 7.8.”

“It’s the highest in our jurisdiction.” His “jurisdiction” is Three Rivers, which includes three counties: Saunders, Washington and Dodge.

The high levels in the area are only part of the reason why the department will be offering free radon test kits.

Free Radon Test Kits Will Be Available for Three Rivers, Nebraska Residents

Haman says that local officials are doing their best to increase awareness about the dangers of radon gas, and its presence. This is certainly commendable, as radon is a long-term killer. In other words, long-term exposure to the deadly gas is what causes the most harm. Therefore, the faster you discover its presence, the faster you can take action and secure your health.

The problem is, radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless leaving it virtually indetectable. The only way to discover whether or not it’s a problem in your home, is to conduct very exlusive and specific tests. Luckily, DIY testing kits are relatively inexpensive and experienced radon professionals are easy to come by.

Haman says the department was recently approved a grant, which allows them to provide free radon test kits to residents at no additional cost. Of course, they will be provided on a first come, first served basis which means if you are a Three Rivers local you want to request one immediately.

How to Use the Free Radon Test Kits

There’s no need to worry that the testing process will be above your expertise. The test kit includes everything you need, and it’s easy to setup. You will have to know some basics before you get started, however. As Haman says, “the process is picking up a kit and following the instructions.”

Since radon is a dense gas, it will collect in the lowest areas of a residence or home. That’s why it’s a good idea to test your basement – if you have one – or the first story. Once you setup the kit by placing the air sample collectors in the appropriate place, you want to avoid opening and closing doors or windows. The two best times to test a home are during the summer and winter months, and since it’s currently the latter time of year that means it’s a great time to do so.

The samples will be sent to a remote lab, and the results will be mailed back. If elevated levels are discovered – exceeding the recommended action limit of 4.0 pCi/L – then mitigation is necessary. Mitigation simply involves installing a ventilation system to remove the radon gas from the residence.

Where to Get Supplies If You Don’t Receive One of the Free Radon Test Kits

If you don’t make the cut and there are no test kits available, you can always find them at a local hardware store or online.

We advise you to have your home tested as soon as possible, whether you live in the Three Rivers area or elsewhere. Radon can be a problem anywhere, since it is released by uranium and other elements commonly found in soil and rocks in the ground.

Via: Wahoo Newspaper

Comissioners of Dodge County Minnesota, have voted to invest money in the ventilation of radon gas, which has collected in great amounts in the old, local courthouse building. It turns out the votes were unanimous, and the total cost for the fix will be $10,500. Homeowners should note that this cost does not reflect the cost of a mitigation system in a residential home. The one in question here is much more expensive because the courthouse building is quite large in terms of square footage.

Radon Gas Was Previously Discovered in the Courthouse

Photo by Jonathunder (wikimedia)

In February, 2013 testing results were returned showing elevated levels of radon gas in the courthouse. The results were shown to the commissioners who decided to have a mitigation system installed. The mitigation system did ventilate some of the radon gas, but only in certain areas of the building. However, recent testing results show that one area of the building still has levels of radon gas inside exceeding 4.0 pCi/L, the recommended action limit as set by the U.S. EPA.

It does raise a few questions. How long have the elevated levels have existed inside the building? Why does it take so long for problems like this to be fixed? It’s nearly the end of 2014, and these elevated radon levels were first discovered in the beginning of 2013.

This is extremely troubling, considering radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States – and many countries over. It is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer related deaths in the U.S. alone, each year.

How is the Radon Gas Going to Be Removed?

To fix the ongoing issue, a local professional radon contractor will be implenting another system to vent the affected area. The contractor will be drilling a hole in the basement floor, removing soil underneath to create a pocket, and then install a ventilation pipe and working fan to suck out contaminated air. The radon gas will be released from the roof of the building out into the open air, where it will disperse enough so that it’s no longer hazardous.

Similar methods would be used in a home that has elevated levels of radon.

For More Information About the Radon Problem…

For more information about the Dodge County courthouse you can visit the local website. If more information is announced later, we will follow-up this post with the results of the new mitigation system. Most likely, levels will return to normal in the courthouse and the air will once again be healthy in the affected area.

Via: Post Bulletin

We’ve said it again and again: radon gas is extremely hazardous to you and your family’s health therefore you should test your home for it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, most people are unaware the problem exists and those that do know about it have no clue just how severe it is. That explains why radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for more than 20,000 American deaths each year. That’s a pretty huge number. If that doesn’t get you concerned this will, every one in fifteen homes in the country have elevated levels of radon gas inside.

It can increase the risk for lung cancer, but it can actually cause a wide variety of chronic respiratory and health problems after long-term exposure too. Don’t just take our word that radon is something to worry about, listen to one of the experts.

WRVO Public Media Hosts Interview Radon Expert John Martin from the US EPA

Hosts Linda Lowen and Lorraine Rapp from “Take Care” of WRVO Public Media, spoke to a representative for the Environmental Protection Agency. More specifically, they discussed common concerns about the dangers of radon gas. John Martin, from the EPA was the target of the interview.

Have a look at some of the most interesting parts of the interview, and see what he had to say about the deadly gas.

Linda Lowen: What causes radon? Where does it come from and why is it a health hazard? How does it enter our homes?

John Martin: First of all, radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that occurs as a product of uranium. Most of the radon in indoor air comes from soil underneath the home. So as uranium breaks down, radon gas forms and seeps into the house.

To add to John’s statement, since Uranium – and a few other elements that emit radon particles – are commonly found in the soil and rock under our feet it means radon can be a problem everywhere, regardless of geographical location. It doesn’t even matter if radon isn’t prevalent where you live, it could still potentially be a problem in your home. Worse yet, your neighbor could have elevated levels even if you don’t and vice versa.

Lowen: And how is it detected and measured? What’s acceptable and what’s unacceptable?

John Martin: Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. So the EPA and surgeon general recommend testing all homes, a great way to get a hold of one of these tests is through the New York State Department of Health. Their website is health.ny.gov and these tests are very affordable. They cost typically under $10. I think the average price for them is $8.50. This could be done by a family member or if you prefer there are licensed professionals who can also conduct these tests.

Lorraine  Rapp: If there’s uranium in the soil, is it possible that that will actually leak into our water system as well?

John Martin: If your home uses ground water, so you have a well, it is possible that you will have radon in your water as well. So radon gas can dissolve and it can accumulate in ground water. There are also tests that can be done if you do use ground water, if your family uses ground water, and I would urge people to call EPAs safe drinking water hotline. If you just Google EPA’s safe drinking water hotline you can get information about how you can test for radon in your water as well.

Radon is less commonly found in a water supply, so it’s not as much of a problem as the gas. That said, you should definitely have your water tested to be sure. To add to that, granite can also release radon which means your granite countertops, floors or surfaces could also be releasing small amounts of the gas. Although admittedly, the granite based radon is less likely to cause immediate elevated levels in a home. However, any and all radon particles from these sources can eventually accumulate to be a problem, over time.

Radon Expert On Radon Testing and Real Estate Transactions

Rapp: So let’s say you’re buying a house, sometimes through that transaction you’ll find out maybe the home that you’re about to purchase or even sell has a problem with radon. Or maybe you’ve gotten one of these kits and you see the level is higher than what they recommend, once it’s found in the home, what can a home owner do?

John Martin: Well the good news is that if you do have a radon problem it’s relatively easy to fix. There are straightforward, proven, cost-effective methods that can be undertaken. So typically the solution is a 3-inch pipe is installed throughout the house. That draws the radon away from the house and vents it off the roof. If you are somebody who is looking into building a new home, there are methods that you can utilize to make your home radon resistant for new construction.

Radon Expert on Radon Awareness

Lowen: I found it startling that it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Why do you think that most of us don’t know this statistic?

John Martin: That’s right. It is an issue that needs more attention. Not only is it the second leading cause of cancer in the country, it is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. So if you’re a non-smoker and if you are concerned about lung cancer, as you should be, I would urge you to pay more attention to radon and the possibility that your home does have radon.

You can read the original coverage of the interview at WRVO Public Media’s website. If you’re in the western and central New York areas, you can tune-in to the broadcast on Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 PM EST. You can also listen to the broadcast live via the official website (remotely).

The Radon Expert Agrees, You Should Test Your Home ASAP

Meanwhile, get your home tested for radon. Since long-term exposure increases the risk, you want to get a problem taken care of right away. The sooner you figure out if there’s an issue with elevated levels in your home, the sooner you can fix the problem. You can your family deserve to be living in a healthy environment, and breathing clean indoor air.

Believe it or not, the current season can greatly affect the levels of deadly radon gas that may exist inside your home. This is why we always recommend testing your home at least twice a year. The best times to do so are during the summer and winter months.

Deadly Radon Gas is More Prevalent in Cold Weather

Photo by Rachel Kramer (Flickr)

What many of you may not be aware of is that cold weather actually increases the risk that elevated levels of the deadly radon gas may seep into your home. As Eleanor Driver, radon project coordinator for the state of Utah, says “because it’s colder outside and then warmer inside your home, that increases the radon levels.”

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans every year. According to Divver, in her home state of Utah nearly one-third of home have elevated levels and many of the homeowners don’t even know it. This is because the only way to discover its presence is to test for it. Luckily, testing kits and professional help are both relatively inexpensive. For those that don’t want to conduct the tests themselves, they can always find help for a reasonable price.

Deadly Radon Gas Can Be A Problem In Any Home

Radon does not discriminate based on the type of home or location, it can be a problem anywhere. “We can have elevated levels in an older home, in a newer home, even in a home that seems like there would be plenty of air circulation,” says Divver. While new homes are built with radon resistant construction, it’s still possible for radon gas to seep inside.

It’s naturally released as a decay product of elements such as Uranium and others, which commonly reside in soil and rocks underneath the ground. Since it is extremely dense – more dense than air – it releases slowly and usually collects in the lowest levels of a home. The biggest problem arises from long-term exposure, which is why everyone should have their home tested. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to keep your body – and your family – healthy.

Test for the Deadly Radon Gas As Soon As Possible

Divver revealed a recent case she encountered where a family – of which two members were diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer – discovered levels of the deadly radon gas at 17pCi/L in their home. The recommended action limit as set by the US EPA is 4.0pCi/L, so the family’s home had levels more than four times that amount. Divver says that exposure to levels that high “would be like smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes a day.”

Long story short, whether you live in Utah or elsewhere in the United States, the winter season is a good time as any to have your home tested for the presence of the deadly radon gas.

Via: Utah Public Radio

Since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans each year – we figured it would be a great idea to talk about ways to prevent the disease. Long-term exposure to radon is what causes the most danger, so as always we recommend that you test your home – or hire a professional to do so – before doing anything else. Once you’ve figured out whether or not radon is a problem in your residence, you can move on to other home remedies such as these.

It should be noted that there isn’t a whole lot of factual, scientific evidence supporting many of these natural remedies, although there may be some proof here and there. None of these things will definitely prevent cancer, as there are no guarantees. There are many reasons one might contract the disease whether it be hereditary, smoking, radon or pollution related or otherwise. The ailments mentioned here will help lower the risk of cancer – lung cancer included – but that does not necessarily mean they will prevent it completely.

Ingesting, or Massaging Your Skin with Garlic May Prevent Cancer and Other Illnesses

Photo by Isabel Eyre (Flickr)

Garlic has been linked to several supplementary benefits, and it has long been believed that it can ward off illnesses such as minor colds, respiratory problems and it can even help prevent cancer – by reducing the risk.

Eating or coming into contact with garlic on a regular basis will subject your body to a componenet called allicin. This common component is responsible for blocking enzymes and bacteria that can cause colds, the flu and other illnesses.

While there is no evidence supporting the fact that garlic will help after someone is already sick, many believe that rubbing garlic on the chest, hands and feet during an illness will alleviate issues if not force it away entirely.

Believe it or not, raw garlic is not the most potent form of the vegetable. It’s best when you crush the garlic clovers, thus allowing the allicin enzymes to escape. Once crushed you can then eat it, or rub it on your body for the best effect. Although, we definitely would recommend ingesting the garlic over rubbing it on your skin – unless you fully intend to ward off vampires too.

Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar May Prevent Cancer and Provide Several Health Benefits

Photo by by Veganbaking.net (Flickr)

Apple Cider Vinegar has also been linked to a great deal of health benefits. It can help with weight loss, body and digestive detox, and even teeth whitening. Perhaps most interesting is that it can also be used as a natural remedy for digestive problems.

It turns out, vinegar may also help with nasal drainage and sinus congestion problems. It’s not a stretch to believe that it may help with other respiratory problems, as well. This is because the vinegar essentially cleanses the mouth and throat, making it difficult for illness-born bacteria to thrive. Because of this, it also exhibits some very strong alkaline properties after being ingested. Many studies show that alkaline environments – such as those created from drinking apple cider vinegar – prevent serious illnesses from thriving. Those illnesses include anything from the common cold to several forms of cancer.

Of course, for it to be of increased benefit one would have to frequently consume the apple cider vinegar. Not everyone can stand the strong smell and taste of it. That said, it’s still worth giving a try if you find you need to boost your body’s immune system. We’re also not talking about drinking apple cider vinegar straight, either. You can mix it so that it’s much more consumption-friendly, or you can mix it with several types of foods or meals.

There are Other Natural Remedies To Prevent Cancer

Onion – like garlic – has also been linked to a long list of health benefits. That said, it’s up to you whether or not you can brave these natural vegetables and remedies to keep your body healthy. Onion and garlic are both extremely potent, and apple cider vinegar is no exception.

While these ailments will not prevent cancer and other illnesses 100%, it certainly seems like they will help one’s body stay healthy. Have you heard of any other natural remedies that help ward off cancer and severe illness?

Have you followed our advice and carried out the National Radon Action Week checklist we provided a few days ago? If you haven’t, you should get on it already.

You see, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and many countries over. It is the leading cause in non-smokers, which means it’s a much more significant problem than many people even realize. In the U.S. alone it is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 each year through lung cancer. There are no short-term symptoms, and the health effects arise from long-term exposure. Since radon gas increases the “risk” of lung cancer it’s difficult to say when you – or anyone else – will be diagnosed. Some may get lung cancer after being exposed to elevated levels of radon for two years, while others may get lung cancer after being exposed for more than a decade. Then again, the same holds true of smoking.

National Radon Action Week May Be Over Soon, But Awareness Needs to Continue

That’s exactly why it’s beneficial to have your residence tested for the presence of radon gas as soon as possible. The sooner you know there’s a problem, the sooner you can take action. That’s also why this week has been declared National Radon Action Week. We need more people aware of the problem to create an overall widespread awareness. Perhaps more important than that however, is we need people taking action to mitigate the problem.

It doesn’t matter what month, week or day it is. It doesn’t matter if it’s National Radon Action week or not. What matters is that you educate yourself on the dangers of radon, and test your home. You can always find the information you need, and you always have the option to pass it on to family, friends and colleagues. What you should really be focused on this week is the future.

How are you planning to test your own home? Are you going to request your children’s school or day care be tested, as well? What about your work, are you going to ensure that is tested also?

National Radon Action Week: Learn About Radon

Radon is a naturally ocurring gas, released as a decay product of common elements such as Uranium which can be found in the soil and rocks beneath our feet. Long story short, that means it can seep up from the ground anywhere, regardless of geographic location. It can be a problem in any country, any state or any building. All it takes is for a small amount of radon to seep inside a structure, where it collects in greater amounts. It can worm it’s way in through cracks in the foundation, walls or flooring.

If a location is tested and elevated levels are found, a ventilation or mitigation system needs to be installed. This will essentially remove the gas from the building or residence, venting it into the outside air.

Indoor air pollution is a serious problem, and radon gas is the biggest culprit. The U.S. EPA estimates that every one in fifteen homes has elevated levels.

Continue to Share Information Even After National Radon Action Week Comes to a Close

The lesson here is that you should not just forget about radon gas after this week is over. Have a monitor installed in your home, especially if you discover elevated levels and install a mitigation system. Tell others about your experience, or even abou the possibility of radon. Share stats, webpage links and resources with everyone you can. Finally, encourage them to take action and have their own home or business tested for the presence of the deadly gas radon.

National Radon Action Week may soon be coming to a close, but that does not mean you – or anyone else – needs to abandon your efforts to increase awareness. Let’s keep it going.