Has your doctor advised you about the dangers of radon exposure?

29 Sep Has your doctor advised you about the dangers of radon exposure?

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates:

• Radon causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
• 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels.

When people go to visit their doctor, they usually have their physical health in the forefront of their thoughts. Doctors are generally considered to be a trusted source for information on how to protect ourselves from unwanted toxins or other avoidable health dangers. It’s not just the foods we eat and the lifestyles we follow that can contribute to disease. It’s necessary for doctors to advise their patients about the dangers of radon. They can ask if the patient’s home has been tested. They can provide handouts for how to go about testing and offer needed information on the importance of keeping the home safe from this naturally occurring, deadly gas. If the patient smokes, that is an additional risk for lung cancer.

New Mexico has some of the highest radon levels in the country. Albuquerque, Santa Fe and areas in the northern part of the state are particularly at risk. Please have your home tested every two years.