It’s odorless and colorless and could be the most dangerous thing in your home. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in Utah’s soil and rocks, caused by the decay of uranium. When it accumulates, it can cause serious health risks, including lung cancer. 

Utah resident Kerri Robbins found that out the hard way when she was diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoking lung cancer, which metastasized into brain tumors. She met oncologist Dr. Wallace Akerley at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, who guided her treatment.

“I was absolutely floored,” she said. “Dr. Ackerly asked if I ever smoked. I never smoked. He asked if I had tested my home for radon. I didn’t know that I needed to; that’s the first time I realized that radon was a possibility for causing my cancer.”

She got a free radon test from Utah Radon and was shocked by the results. She learned the radon level in her home was so high, it was equivalent to smoking three packs of cigarettes a day. Robbins and her husband, Ron, had the radon mitigated and now monitor levels in their home all the time.

The cost of mitigation is around $2,000. Robbins said that the price tag is less than having to go through a cancer diagnosis and treatments. “Let me tell you, mitigation is cheaper than cancer,” she said. 

Now, Robbins partners with Utah Radon to educate the public about the dangers of radon gas. Her dedication earned her the 2024 IEA Radon Advocacy Award, given to just one U.S. citizen annually.

Utah has high levels of naturally occurring radon due to the state’s geology. Gas can enter homes through cracks in the driveway and foundation and build up over time. Right after smoking, it’s the second most common cause of lung cancer. 

Utah Radon uses giant inflatable lungs to raise awareness about the dangers of radon. Taking the display to community events and public gatherings, the lungs attract attention so families can learn about radon detection, an easy test that could save lives. Almost one in two Utah homes tests high for radon.

“Forty-nine percent of Utah homes have dangerous radon levels,” Utah Radon Board Member Brad Callister said. “The only way to detect radon is to test for it. Testing is easy and free through Utah Radon. If your home has high levels of radon, a permanent radon mitigation system can be installed by a certified professional.”

New studies also link radon exposure to childhood leukemia, which occurs at higher-than-average rates in Utah. Robbins faces more cancer treatments as her tumors continue to grow, but she hopes her message can help save lives so people can avoid going through her experience.

“Cancer has changed a lot of things in my life,” Robbins said. “If it had been 20 years ago, I think I would have been dead, but the technology they have today keeps me going. Get that test from Utah Radon; it’s simple to do.”

For more information, or to get a free radon test, visit UtahRadon.org.