The Dangers of Radon in Your Home

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can’t be detected by sight, smell or taste.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and claims the lives of an estimated 21,000 people every year.

How does radon get into your home?

Cracks in solid floors
Construction joints
Cracks in walls
Gaps in suspended floors
Gaps around service pipes
Cavities inside walls
Water supply

Because testing is the only way to detect levels of exposure, the EPA and U.S. Surgeon General are urging homeowners to do so during National Radon Action Month in January.

While many radon test kits can be found online or in home improvement stores, you can also contact your state radon program to find a qualified professional in your area.

If high levels of radon are detected in your home (above 4 p/Ci/L), the EPA recommends using a vent pipe system and fan to pull radon from beneath your house and to send it outside. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings can also help.

Please Note: This is meant only to provide general information about commonly available insurance coverages. Except as expressly noted, this content is not intended to describe any specific coverage offered by MAPFRE Insurance. No coverage is provided, bound or guaranteed by this article. Available coverages, credits and discounts vary from state to state and are subject to eligibility criteria and policy terms/conditions, which will control in the event of conflict between this article and your insurance policy. For information about your policy, please review your individual policy contract and speak with your insurance representative.

MAPFRE Insurance® is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp. and its affiliates, American Commerce Insurance Company^SM (Cal. COA 4928-8); Citation Insurance Company^SM; The Commerce Insurance Company^SM; Commerce West Insurance Company^SM (Cal. COA 1372-2); and MAPFRE Insurance Company^SM (Cal. COA 3039-5). Not all products available in all states.

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