Radon: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Let’s take a closer look at why radon matters, especially in Bloomington and surrounding areas, and what you can do to protect your family.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste—but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Outdoors, it disperses quickly and generally doesn’t pose a health risk. Indoors, however, it can accumulate to dangerous levels, especially in basements or poorly ventilated areas.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that exposure to this gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, causing roughly 21,000 deaths every year.

January Is National Radon Action Month

National Radon Action Month, observed every January, was created to raise public awareness about the risks and to encourage testing and mitigation. During this month, homeowners are urged to check their homes using either DIY kits or by hiring professionals.

You can find low-cost testing kits online, at hardware stores, or through your local public health department. If levels are found to be high, mitigation systems can dramatically reduce indoor concentrations. Certified contractors can help install these systems.

5 Shocking Facts About Radon

1. It Can Be Found in Any Home—New or Old
Whether your house is brand new or 100 years old, this gas can enter through foundation cracks, crawlspaces, or even well water.

2. 1 in 15 U.S. Homes Has High Levels
This means millions of Americans are unknowingly living with potentially harmful exposure.

3. It’s Odorless, Colorless, and Tasteless
There’s no way to detect it without testing—it’s a truly invisible hazard.

4. Exposure Is Cumulative
The longer you’re exposed, the higher your lifetime risk of developing lung cancer.

5. Testing Is Simple and Affordable
Home test kits are inexpensive and easy to use. Results typically arrive within days, and next steps are clear if levels are too high.

How to Test Your Home

Checking your home should be part of your regular health and safety routine. You have two options:

• DIY Test Kit: Affordable kits are placed in the lowest level of your home for a few days and then mailed to a lab.
• Professional Testing: Certified specialists use specialized equipment for fast, accurate results.

Whether you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or are preparing to sell, testing is strongly recommended. New homes can even be built with resistance features to prevent future problems.

Spread the Word—Protect Your Community

Talking about invisible gases might not be your usual dinner conversation, but spreading awareness can save lives. Tell your family and friends about the risks, and encourage them to test their homes.

Your local city or county may host outreach events during January, and the EPA’s website offers downloadable brochures, toolkits, and social media graphics to help spread the message.

Protect What Matters Most

While radioactive gases don’t cause immediate damage like fire or water, the long-term risks are just as serious. If you discover elevated levels, act quickly. For homeowners concerned about contamination—especially after floods or environmental events—professional cleanup may be necessary.

PuroClean of Bloomington specializes in biohazard cleanup services, including environmental hazard mitigation. Our trained technicians can assess contamination risks and provide expert-level cleanup and containment. When the invisible becomes dangerous, we’re here to help.

FAQs About Radon

What is radon, exactly?
It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.

How do I test my home?
Use a DIY kit or contact a certified mitigation specialist to perform a professional test.

Are some areas more prone to high levels?
Yes. Some regions have higher concentrations of uranium in the ground, leading to increased risk indoors.

Can levels change over time?
Absolutely. Weather, renovations, and seasonal changes can all affect indoor measurements.

What are resistance construction techniques?
These include features like gas-permeable layers under slabs, vent pipes, and sealing of foundation openings to channel gases outside before they accumulate indoors. vent pipes that safely channel radon outside before it enters the home.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call PuroClean of Bloomington – (309) 433-0900 Today

If you’re dealing with a home impacted by radon exposure or any other biohazard issue, don’t wait. PuroClean of Bloomington offers biohazard cleanup with the highest safety standards and industry-leading equipment.

Whether it’s mold, sewage, trauma scenes, or environmental contaminants, our team is here to help restore your space—and your peace of mind.