January is National Radon Awareness Month and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels, causing thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. Since radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, its presence and health effects can go undetected for an extended period of time unless testing is performed.

"The aim of National Radon Awareness Month is to increase the public's awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices," states Ron Schiller, EPA Representative. "Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes for radon."

"Testing is the only way to know a home's radon level," states Kylene Golubski, VP Business Planning & Development, Inspect-It 1st Property Inspection. "There are no immediate symptoms that will alert a homeowner to the presence of radon and it typically takes years of exposure before any health problems surface." According to the Surgeon General, homes should be tested every two years, and retested when moving, after making structural changes/improvements, or upon occupying a previously unused level of a house.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in soil, rock and water. Radon moves up through the ground into the air, and into homes through cracks or holes in the foundation. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher require immediate attention.

"Many Inspect-It 1st offices across the country offer professional radon testing services, and will be offering specials through January in honor of Radon Awareness Month," stated Golubski.

To learn more about radon and expert insights on property-related issues or to find the property inspector nearest you, please call 877-392-6278 or visit inspectit1st. To learn more about the EPA recommendations and information, please visit epa.

About Inspect-It 1st & Merry Meeting, Inc.

Inspect-It 1st® is a rapidly growing franchise system of home inspectors and a subsidiary of Merrymeeting, Inc. (MMI), a Cleveland-based investment firm specializing in the acquisition and development of franchise brands. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. MMI currently operates six franchise systems with more than 1,700 franchised locations in 32 countries.

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Merry Meeting, Inc.