The Cancer Prevention Step Most Homeowners Miss: Professional Radon Testing

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness around the proactive steps people can take today to reduce cancer risk over time.

Most prevention conversations focus on lifestyle habits like nutrition, exercise, and medical screenings. While these are critical, there is one major risk factor many homeowners overlook: The air inside their home.

At Quality Environmental Testing, we provide professional radon testing for homeowners across the south and southwest Chicagoland surrounding communities — helping families identify hidden risks and gain confidence that their home is supporting long-term health.

Because when it comes to prevention, what you cannot see can matter the most.

Why Professional Radon Testing Belongs in Every Cancer Prevention Plan

Cancer prevention is not about perfection. It is about awareness, early action, and reducing avoidable risks wherever possible.

Environmental exposure plays a larger role in long-term health than many people realize — especially when that exposure occurs daily inside the place you trust most.

Your home.

One of the most significant yet frequently misunderstood environmental risks is radon gas.

Radon and Lung Cancer: The Invisible Threat

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed in soil that can enter homes through foundation cracks, sump pits, crawlspaces, and other structural openings.

What makes radon particularly dangerous is that it is:

• Invisible

• Odorless

• Tasteless

Without testing, there is no reliable way to know whether elevated levels are present.

According to leading health authorities, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers.

This means even individuals who live healthy lifestyles may face increased risk simply from prolonged exposure within their home.

The encouraging news?

Radon risk is highly manageable when identified early.

And that begins with professional testing.

Why Professional Testing Matters More Than DIY Kits

While store-bought radon tests are available, they often introduce uncertainty due to improper placement, environmental interference, or incomplete testing conditions.

Professional testing eliminates that guesswork.

At Quality Environmental Testing, we use professional-grade continuous radon monitors that deliver highly accurate measurements under controlled conditions. Our certified testing process provides homeowners with clear, defensible results — empowering them to make informed decisions about their property and their health.

Because cancer prevention should never rely on assumptions.

It should rely on data you can trust.

Cancer Prevention Starts With Everyday Decisions

Many prevention strategies remain essential for supporting long-term wellness:

• Avoid tobacco and secondhand smoke

• Maintain regular physical activity

• Choose nutrient-dense foods

• Protect skin from excessive sun exposure

• Stay current with recommended health screenings

But a truly comprehensive prevention strategy also evaluates the safety of your indoor environment.

Testing for radon is one of the most impactful — and most overlooked — steps a homeowner can take.

3 Smart Steps to Take During National Cancer Prevention Month

1. Understand Your Local Radon Potential

Radon levels can vary significantly — even between neighboring homes. Geographic data offers helpful insight, but no map can determine the radon level inside your specific property.

2. Schedule a Professional Radon Test

Testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether radon is present at elevated levels.

New home? Older property? Recently renovated?

No home is automatically protected.

3. Take Action if Levels Are Elevated

If high radon levels are detected, a professionally designed mitigation system can dramatically reduce concentrations and support healthier indoor air.

Early action is one of the most powerful forms of prevention.

Common Radon Misconceptions

“My home is new, so I don’t need testing." New construction does not prevent radon entry. In fact, tightly sealed modern homes can sometimes allow gases to accumulate more easily.

“Radon is only a concern in certain areas.” Elevated radon levels have been identified in homes across the country. The only way to know your level is to test.

“I tested years ago — that’s enough.” Radon levels can shift due to soil conditions, weather patterns, ventilation changes, and home improvements. Periodic testing is strongly recommended.

Your National Cancer Prevention Month Checklist

If you prefer a simple, proactive approach to prevention, start here:

Avoid tobacco and secondhand smoke

Stay physically active

Prioritize whole foods

Protect your skin

Keep up with health screenings

Schedule professional radon testing

Mitigate promptly if needed

Prevention is built on consistent, informed decisions.

Final Takeaway: The Prevention Step That Protects Your Home

National Cancer Prevention Month serves as an important reminder — long-term health is often shaped by the small, proactive choices we make today.

Testing your home for radon is one of the smartest prevention decisions available to homeowners because:

• Radon is silent

• Exposure is long-term

• Testing is straightforward

• Solutions are highly effective

Most importantly, the knowledge gained from professional testing can help protect your family for decades.

Schedule Professional Radon Testing With Confidence

If you have never tested your home, recently moved, completed renovations, or it has been several years since your last test, now is the ideal time to act.

Quality Environmental Testing delivers precise, professional radon testing — giving homeowners clear answers and the confidence that their indoor environment is supporting their health, not working against it.

Schedule your professional radon test today 708-243-5945 and take a meaningful step toward a safer, healthier home.