Radon Program
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas
You can't see, smell, taste or feel radon. But it may still be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.
Where does radon come from?
Radon is a decay product of uranium deposits found naturally in the ground. The amount and depth of the uranium varies widely from area to area.
You should test for radon
Radon levels are affected by many factors including, but not limited to, the amount of uranium and type of soil below your home, weather conditions, and construction of your home. Just because your neighbor's home tested at a certain level, does not mean your home will test the same. TESTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF RADON IN YOUR HOME.
Testing is easy! Locally, FREE test kits are available at the Clark County Combined Health District, Champaign County Health District, and Madison County Health District during normal business hours. Free test kits are also available in many other areas. Call your local health department to find out if free test kits are available in your area.
We recommend that everyone who conducts their own test read, A Citizen's Guide to Radon, The guide to protecting yourself and your family from radon.
You can fix and prevent radon problems
If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Also, if you are planning to build a new home, radon resistance can be built into your home affordably. Check out A Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home and/or Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes. Insist that your contractor build radon resistance into your home.
You may find that fixing a radon problem is better often performed by a professional trained to perform radon mitigation. Anyone hired to correct a radon problem must be licensed.
Buying or Selling a Home?
You'll want to read Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
How to Find a Licensed Radon Professional
All persons and/or businesses must be licensed to test for radon or mitigate a structure for high levels. There are exceptions for homeowners testing or fixing their own home, or a school employee testing a school in the district in which the employee works. Radon Testing and Mitigation licenses are issued by the Ohio Department of Health. To find a licensed radon professional, go to www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/rp/radlic/radon.aspx.
It is recommended that bids be obtained from at least three companies. Compare prices and ask enough questions to fully understand the proposed work. Before making a final decision with a contractor, call the Ohio Department of Health Radon Licensing at (614) 644-2727 or e-mail Bradiation@odh.ohio.gov and ask the specific question, "Are there any complaints against this contractor?".
Radon risk in other structures
The amount of risk is a factor of the level or radon and the time exposed. While most tend to spend the majority of time at home, work and school account for a large part of time. As with homes, it is recommended that these structures be tested and corrected if elevated levels of radon are detected.
Links to more information on radon
Radon at the University of Toledo EPA.gov radon.com
You can't see, smell, taste or feel radon. But it may still be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.
Where does radon come from?
Radon is a decay product of uranium deposits found naturally in the ground. The amount and depth of the uranium varies widely from area to area.
You should test for radon
Radon levels are affected by many factors including, but not limited to, the amount of uranium and type of soil below your home, weather conditions, and construction of your home. Just because your neighbor's home tested at a certain level, does not mean your home will test the same. TESTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF RADON IN YOUR HOME.
Testing is easy! Locally, FREE test kits are available at the Clark County Combined Health District, Champaign County Health District, and Madison County Health District during normal business hours. Free test kits are also available in many other areas. Call your local health department to find out if free test kits are available in your area.
We recommend that everyone who conducts their own test read, A Citizen's Guide to Radon, The guide to protecting yourself and your family from radon.
You can fix and prevent radon problems
If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Also, if you are planning to build a new home, radon resistance can be built into your home affordably. Check out A Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home and/or Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes. Insist that your contractor build radon resistance into your home.
You may find that fixing a radon problem is better often performed by a professional trained to perform radon mitigation. Anyone hired to correct a radon problem must be licensed.
Buying or Selling a Home?
You'll want to read Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
How to Find a Licensed Radon Professional
All persons and/or businesses must be licensed to test for radon or mitigate a structure for high levels. There are exceptions for homeowners testing or fixing their own home, or a school employee testing a school in the district in which the employee works. Radon Testing and Mitigation licenses are issued by the Ohio Department of Health. To find a licensed radon professional, go to www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/rp/radlic/radon.aspx.
It is recommended that bids be obtained from at least three companies. Compare prices and ask enough questions to fully understand the proposed work. Before making a final decision with a contractor, call the Ohio Department of Health Radon Licensing at (614) 644-2727 or e-mail Bradiation@odh.ohio.gov and ask the specific question, "Are there any complaints against this contractor?".
Radon risk in other structures
The amount of risk is a factor of the level or radon and the time exposed. While most tend to spend the majority of time at home, work and school account for a large part of time. As with homes, it is recommended that these structures be tested and corrected if elevated levels of radon are detected.
Links to more information on radon
Radon at the University of Toledo EPA.gov radon.com
