Published on January 26, 2021
Radon Awareness Month
January is radon awareness month, bringing attention to the health issues caused by the harmful gas.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay of radioactive elements, found in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon breaks down into solid radioactive elements called radon progeny, which attach to dust and can be breathed into the lungs. As radon and radon progeny in the air break down, they give off radiation that can damage the DNA inside the body’s cells. If you’re exposed to it enough, radon can cause lung cancer.
For most people, the largest potential source of radon exposure is in their home. You can check radon levels in your home to determine if you need to take steps to lower them. You can hire a professional to test radon levels in your home. Qualified contractors can be found through state radon offices, which are listed on the EPA website.
What you can do about radon:
- Test your home for radon.
- Talk with your health care provider about the results.
- Fix your home if the radon levels are high by calling a certified radon professional.
- Tell your loved ones about the risk of radon and tobacco smoke.
For a radon test kit, call the Daviess County Environmental Department at 270-852-5571.
About Owensboro Health
Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.
On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.