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Reported by: Elyse Evans Monday, Oct 27, 2008 @08:11pm EDT You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. Yet it's the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Radon is a natural gas found in many homes and it can have a deadly impact. "It's a gas that's going to come into your home any way it can. Sump pits, crawl spaces, open drains, any cracks. Those are all ways it can seep into your home," radon specialist, Cyndi Babb says. Babb is in her tenth year testing and treating radon levels. She says it's an issue most homeowners don't even know about. "I don't think enough people are informed about how harmful it can be, so just be aware of what it can do to your family," Babb adds. You can check for radon by calling in a specialist or by picking up a do-it-yourself kit. The kits can be found in most hardware stores. Experts insist you check radon levels every 2 years. They say it’s the only way to guarantee your home and lungs stay safe. Of course, radon isn’t the only potential hazard in your home. "The things that make us most comfortable, our furniture, our appliances, our carpet, our pets; all those items put impurities in the air,” Lowe's Department Manager, Jerry Ulm says. All that stuff floating in the air can lead to a host of respiratory problems. "Sometimes people really don't have allergies as much as they're being irritated by the things that are in the air in our house,” Ulm adds. Those indoor irritants can be as common as cleaning products or the family pet. Specialists say you should employ two lines of defense: clean your filters and purify your air. These machines run constantly, sucking out the pet hair and dander that leave you feeling clogged. But they can also protect you from dangerous toxins like mold and carbon monoxide. Remember the pesticides and fertilizers you use outdoors on your lawn or garden ride indoors on your shoes. So be careful what you use around the house. Chances are it’ll wind up in your house. |