Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas that can only be detected through radon testing. It is a radioactive gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Radon is proven to cause cancer.

The Facts

The EPA believes that any radon exposure carries some risk – no level of radon is safe.

Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels. You can reduce your risk of lung cancer by lowering your radon level.

Sources

How radon enters a home:

• Lack of proper ventilation and air sealing can contribute to elevated levels of radon
• Radon typically enters the home through: cracks in foundations and solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes, cavities inside walls and the water supply

Effects

Exposure to radon contains severe risks:

• 1 out of 15 homes are above the EPA level of concern for radon
• EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related
• Exposure to elevated radon levels is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

Action You Can Take

Radon level of 4 pCi/L (PicoCuries per liter) or higher requires remediation:

• Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills
• Use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems
• A qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help you pick the right treatment method

The EPA recommends all homeowners test their residences for radon gas concentrations. There are both short- and long-term testing kits available.