Overexposure to radon gas is the leading cause of non-smoking lung cancer deaths in the US, claiming an estimated 21,000 lives every year. In the past, the methods used to detect radon gas were slow, inconvenient, and not designed to reliably track radon levels over extended periods of time. Today, however, that is not the case.
Dangerous radon levels can be detected in minutes by devices that leverage high-performance radon sensor technology to continually gather readings and instantly report them to users. If elevated levels are detected, radon mitigation systems can reliably address high radon results to make dwellings safe again.
Yet radon continues to be a problem because of a lack of education. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “effective public outreach and education is the foundation for reducing the number of deaths from long-term radon exposure.”
Ecosense Inc. is a leader in residential and commercial radon detection that has developed innovative and award-winning radon-detection technology. The company’s Digital Radon Detector Library Lending Program aims to educate homeowners about radon risks and provide them with access to high-performance radon sensors, enabling them to assess their exposure levels effectively.
Ecosense is empowering communities to reduce their radon risk
“We are excited to offer libraries the opportunity to make radon detectors available to their patrons through our program,” says Ecosense Director of E-commerce Jinny Choi. “In addition to the detectors, we provide educational materials and resources that can be made available to the library community. This approach not only equips them with the tools to detect radon but also educates them about its risk and prevention. It makes lung cancer prevention as straightforward as checking out a book from the library.”
The Ecosense program offers libraries special discounts on their EcoBlu and EcoQube digital radon gas detectors. The devices provide real-time radon level tracking with high-performance radon sensors, delivering an initial reading in 10 minutes and reliable results within one hour.
The speed and accuracy provided by these devices enable lending programs to benefit a large number of people without requiring significant resources from libraries.
“The Ecosense library lending program has already been successfully implemented in 23 libraries across eight states, including Utah, Massachusetts, and Illinois,” Choi shares. “These libraries have witnessed increased community engagement and positive feedback from patrons. The program’s success in these states demonstrates its effectiveness and the value it brings to library services.”
Radon exposure poses a lung cancer risk to nearly 10 million homes in the United States
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs when uranium, naturally occurring in soil, breaks down. It enters homes and other structures through cracks in foundations or gaps in floors, walls, windows, and doors. It can accumulate to dangerous levels if not addressed.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 1 in 15 homes in the US has a radon level that requires mitigation. The EPA explains that dangerous radon levels are found in every US state, and it is true that high radon can be present in any home regardless of location.
The EPA considers 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) to be the level at which radon should be addressed. Breathing air with that amount of radon is equivalent to smoking eight cigarettes per day or receiving 200 chest X-rays per year.
Ecosense provides innovative radon detection solutions designed to protect users’ health through rapid and precise measurements. EcoBlu radon monitors offer a user-friendly experience, displaying live radon readings every 10 minutes on its LED screen.
EcoQube is an award-winning intelligent radon monitor that provides remote access to radon tracking charts from anywhere through the EcoQube mobile app. Both monitors use Ecosense’s patented detection technology to power high-performance radon sensors that reliably track radon fluctuations occurring over the course of days or seasons.
“Early and accurate radon detection is life-saving,” says Choi. “Continuous radon monitoring with Ecosense digital radon detectors provides radon measurement precision and reliability.”
Ecosense raises awareness with Radon-Free Campaign
Bill Johnson was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. The news came as a shock to the Park City, Utah, resident who was a non-smoker living an active lifestyle. Then Johnson learned his condition was linked to high radon levels in his home.
Johnson responded by becoming an advocate for radon awareness. His advocacy led him to discover Ecosense’s monitors, which he praises for their user-friendly designs and affordability.
“Take the proactive step to monitor radon levels continuously and, if necessary, undertake measures to professionally mitigate radon in your home,” Johnson says. “Let’s not overlook the severity of the lung cancer battle. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and safeguard your health and the health of your loved ones.”
Ecosense has partnered with Johnson to launch a “Radon-Free Campaign” that extends special discounts to those in Johnson’s community. The campaign provides a 5 percent discount on the purchase of Ecosense home radon monitors while also donating an Ecosense device to Park City and Summit County Affordable Housing for every five units sold through the program.
Through this Radon-Free Campaign, Ecosense has donated 18 devices so far. Even after reaching the initial goal of 20 devices, Ecosense plans to continue this campaign.
Johnson’s lung cancer diagnosis, like others who have been affected by radon, is one that could have been easily avoided if modern radon detection monitors had been used. With Ecosense devices, homeowners can ensure that they and their loved ones stay safe from the effects of radon.
“With the Radon-Free Campaign, we aim to change this narrative and create a world where no one has to say, ‘I wish I had known sooner,’” says Insoo Park, Founder and CEO at Ecosense.