As we learned in the Friday, Jan. 24, edition of the Butler Eagle, radon contamination is an issue throughout the state and especially in Butler County.

In the state, 39.1% of all tests at or above the maximum safe level of 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. According to state figures for Butler ZIP code 16001, the average amount of radon per household is 9.1 pCi/L in the basement out of 5,196 tests, and 6.5 pCi/L on the first floor out of 651 tests.

Radon — a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas — is created by the breakdown of tiny particles of uranium in the soil. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause for non-smokers.

The first step for anyone worried about radon is to do a test. Kits are available at home improvement stores or online.

Real estate agent Kerri Kadyk explained that each house needs testing because of the variability of radon levels.

“It just depends on the soil or water composition below the home or structure. It doesn't matter if it is a new home or older home,” Kadyk said. “The tricky part with radon gas is that it may be a problem in one home and not a problem in a next-door neighbor’s house. It is possible to have high levels of radon gas on one side of the street and not on the other side of the street.”

If the test results show elevated radon levels, there is a list of certified radon mitigation companies listed on the state Department of Environmental Protection website.

There is a lot you can do to protect yourself and your family from radon, but it starts with getting the tests done. Don’t delay if you haven’t already.

— JK