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A Radioactive Gas Could Be In Your Home And It's Dangerous

National Institute of Health

You can't smell it, taste it or see it, but it could kill you. That is why January is set aside as Radon Awareness Month.

It's a radioactive gas. Radon occurs naturally in minute quantities as an intermediate step in the normal radioactive decay process. Community Health Specialist for Oneida county, Maria Otterholt says the gas is found in this area and can lead to negative health consequences, including lung cancer...

"...Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who are not smokers...."

Radon is found in one out of ten homes in Wisconsin..

" ...It's definitely in our area and difficult to tell if you have it or not, since you can't see it or smell it, you just have to go test for it. It is out in the environment. The difference is is in people's homes is the amount of time we spend in our homes. Especially in the winter. The windows and doors are usually closed. It's that exposure in the home is where the danger lies..."

Test kits are available at the Oneida County Health Department located near Trig's store in Rhinelander. Otterholt says they have a reduced price offer running through January for $10 which includes shipping cost.

More information is available at any Northwoods public health department.

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