MYTH:  Scientists are not sure radon really is a problem.

FACT:  Although there is some uncertainty as to the exact number of deaths due to radon, all scientists and all major health organizations such as Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association agree that radon causes thousands of deaths every year.  People with respiratory ailments and smokers, including former smokers are at even greater risk than the general population.  Radon exposure has been linked to asthma, allergies, stomach cancer, liver cancer and other illnesses.  The very young and seniors may also have increased risk.

MYTH:  A neighbor’s test result is a good indication of whether a home has a radon problem.

FACT:  It is not. Radon levels vary from home to home.  Dangerous levels have been found in homes in every city, town and village in this country and other countries where radon is tested.    The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to have the home tested.

MYTH:  I have lived in my home for so long it doesn’t make sense to test now.

FACT:  You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you have lived with a radon problem for a long time.  Since children, babies and the elderly are at greater risk, you definitely should test now and buy a digital radon detector so you know you’re safe from now on.

MYTH:  It is difficult to sell a home when radon problems have been discovered.

FACT:  When radon problems are corrected home sales are not likely to be adversely corrected. In fact, the added protection of an installed radon correction system may actually be a selling point since buyers will never have the expense of installing a system themselves.