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For Immediate Release
January 7, 2025
Contact: Department of Health Services 608-266-1683
DHS Supports Local Initiatives to Increase Radon Awareness and Debunk Common Myths
Radon is an invisible gas that causes cancer, but when you know the facts, you can protect yourself
It's easy to not think about radon—it's invisible! But radon has an impact on our and our loved ones' health and is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is dispelling common myths, promoting the facts, and helping Wisconsinites find affordable ways to test for radon at home.
"Just because we can't see radon, doesn't mean it's not present in our homes and dangerous to our health," said Paula Tran, state health officer and Division of Public Health administrator. "January is National Radon Action Month, and it's important that Wisconsinites understand this often overlooked and misunderstood threat. DHS encourages all Wisconsinites to test their homes for radon and have conversations about radon with family, friends, and neighbors."
Radon, a natural, radioactive gas, can seep into homes through their foundations. For people who smoke, having exposure to high radon increases the risk of lung cancer by 10 times. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.
View the entire news release here.
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