Montana’s ‘Cancer Warning': New Method To Protect Your Family

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BUTTE, MT - Montanans pride themselves on their rugged independence and love of the great outdoors, but there’s an invisible threat that could be quietly endangering thousands of households across the state.

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It doesn’t announce itself with smoke or flames, nor does it knock down walls or shatter windows. Yet, it’s responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it a leading cause of a deadly disease.

What is this silent menace? And what can you do to protect your loved ones before it’s too late?

The Silent Killer in Your Home

This threat doesn’t discriminate. Whether you live in a cozy cabin in the mountains or a modern home in the city, you could be at risk.

It's colorless, odorless, and tasteless—making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Experts have long warned about its prevalence in Montana, yet many households remain unaware of the dangers it poses.

Studies show this invisible hazard is especially prevalent in areas with rich geological formations, like Montana. Without proper precautions, residents may unknowingly expose themselves to a risk that has long-term and sometimes fatal consequences.

A Hidden Health Crisis

The threat in question? Radon gas.

Naturally occurring in the earth, radon seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, crawl spaces, and even well water.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., surpassed only by smoking.

In Montana, where winter months keep families indoors for extended periods, radon exposure can be even more dangerous. Breathing in radon over time allows radioactive particles to damage lung tissue, leading to cancer.

Alarmingly, a significant portion of Montana homes has been found to have radon levels far above the EPA’s action threshold.

Why Action Is Critical—And Easy

January is National Radon Action Month, a time when Montanans are urged to take action against this invisible threat.

But here’s the good news: testing your home for radon is both simple and free, thanks to a program offered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

By requesting a free radon test kit from the DEQ, you can identify dangerous radon levels in your home and take steps to mitigate the risk. The process is straightforward: place the kit in your home for a designated period, send it to a lab, and receive the results. If high levels are detected, affordable solutions like ventilation systems can drastically reduce radon levels.

Remember:

Radon may be invisible, but its dangers are all too real for Montana families. Don’t let this silent killer put your loved ones at risk. Protect your home and your health by taking advantage of the Montana DEQ’s free radon test kit program.

This January, act now. A few minutes of your time could save a lifetime.

Summed Up

Montana homes face a hidden danger: radon gas, a colorless, odorless substance that seeps through floorboards and vents, posing serious health risks. As the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., radon is especially prevalent in Montana due to its geological makeup.

January is National Radon Action Month, and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is offering free radon test kits to help residents detect and mitigate this invisible threat. Protect your loved ones by testing your home and taking action today.