One of the leading causes of lung cancer, outside the primary and secondary effects of smoking and using tobacco, is exposure to radon, an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, which can cause serious adverse health effects. Recent estimates by the United Stated Energy Protection Agency approximate nearly 21,000 radon-related deaths due to exposure and resulting lung cancer each year. When combined with tobacco use, risk of death due to lung cancer is approximately 26% or about 260 out of every 1,000 people according to a 2014 Indiana State Department of Health study. To both bring awareness and combat these statistics, the Ripley County Health Department recently issued free radon testing kits for homeowners to use in their home to detect the noxious gas. Tests provided by the Department are used to determine levels of radon in common household areas, such as wells producing drinking water in rural areas, and it is recommended to have each home tested by a gas professional every 2 years. In addition to testing, Department officials recommend use of preventive equipment such as specialized vent pipes, and sealing gaps and cracks in windows and house foundations to keep this gas from entering any dwelling.
Although, not as common as health and safety concerns raised by carbon monoxide exposure related to a house fire or other cause, death or serious injury due to radon exposure could potentially expose homeowners to liability if the exposure could have reasonably been prevented. To learn more about Ripley County’s measure to prevent risks associated with Radon, please see the below link and contact Schiller Law at 888-578-3100 or IndyInjured.com, if you are injured due to the negligence of a homeowner or other individual.
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