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Radon in Milwaukee
Radon in Milwaukee
Radon is a cancer-causing gas that naturally occurs underground. It can move through the soil and enter our homes. It is invisible - the only way to know if you have radon is to test for it.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. For those who smoke tobacco, breathing in radon can increase the risk of cancer by 10x.
Wisconsin is a hotspot for radon nationally, but the City of Milwaukee has very low testing rates for radon. MKE FreshAir Collective has free radon tests available to individuals in the following ZIP Codes!
How do I know if my home has radon?
How do I know if my home has radon?
The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it! MKE FreshAir Collective is offering free radon tests - read below for eligibility.
How does a radon test work?
How does a radon test work?
A short-term radon test works by sitting open in your basement (or lowest floor of your home) for 3 - 5 days (up to 96 hours). It absorbs any radon in the air. The test is then sealed in the manufacturer’s bag and shipped to the laboratory, which tests for the amount of radon absorbed by the test. You should get your results directly sent to you within a few weeks.
What do I do if my home has high radon levels?
What do I do if my home has high radon levels?
You now have important knowledge about a potential health threat in your home. There are things you can control: Spend as little time in the basement as possible. Do not exercise or let children play in the basement. Use your basement only when necessary (changing out laundry, during a tornado warning, etc.)
The best method to permanently remove radon in your home is to install a mitigation system. This fan removes radon from underneath your basement before it enters your home. They usually cost between $1500-2000.
Where does radon come from?
Where does radon come from?
Radon comes from naturally-occuring uranium in the earth. There are some spots in the country that are hotspots for Radon, and Southeast Wisconsin is one of them.
How does radon enter my home?
How does radon enter my home?
Radon enters the home through many pathways, including cracks in the foundation, through construction joints, and gaps around service pipes. It enters through the lowest level of the home (usually the basement). The radon can get trapped inside the home. Both new and old homes can have issues with Radon.
Are radon levels always stable in my home?
Are radon levels always stable in my home?
No! Radon levels change or fluctuate in the home due to many factors. Atmospheric pressure changes (such as snowstorms or thunderstorms) affect how air moves out of the soil and into your home. Air flow also changes when the heat is on, if a central air conditioning system is running, or if there is no air flow in the home (such as if the windows are open). Often, radon levels are highest in the winter.
How much radon is dangerous?
How much radon is dangerous?
There is no safe level of radon to breathe. According to the EPA and CDC, 4.0 pCi/L is the threshold that is recommended to install a radon mitigation system. They recommend considering installation of a radon mitigation system if levels are in between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.
A basic principle of toxicology is “the dose makes the poison.” The more often you use your basement, the more you may consider installing a mitigation system at lower levels.
What if the price of a mitigation system is outside my current budget?
What if the price of a mitigation system is outside my current budget?
You are now equipped with the knowledge that your home has unhealthy levels of radon. The most important thing is to spend less time in areas with high radon levels in order to protect your health. For example, fold your laundry upstairs instead of near the dryer in the basement.
If radon levels are high, keep children out of the basement. Only spend time in the basement if you have to.
Are there any programs in Milwaukee that provide free radon mitigation systems?
Are there any programs in Milwaukee that provide free radon mitigation systems?
At this point in time, we know of only one program that includes installing radon mitigation system in its program offerings. The City of Milwaukee Health Department’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program has a HUD-funded grant that removes lead hazards AND up to $5,000 in Healthy Homes work which includes radon mitigation systems. This program requires an extensive application and has specific eligibility requirements. You can read more on their website or call 414-286-2165.
If you are familiar with additional resources, please contact us at reachout@mkefreshair.com so that we can share that knowledge!
What should I do if I have more questions about radon?
What should I do if I have more questions about radon?
You can ask MKE FreshAir Collective by emailing reachout@mkefreshair.com.
If you have other specific questions, you can reach out to the Southeast Wisconsin Radon Information Center (262-896-8300).
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