Radon Is a Cancer Causing, Radioactive Gas
You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.
Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more).
If you have bought or sold a home in the recent past, it probably has been tested as part of the sale transaction. If you have lived in your home for more than a couple of years you may want to test especially if you have young children or living space in the lowest level of your home.
Remediation requires an EPA certified contractor and can be a simple, reasonably priced option.
For more information go to our web site and read the EPA Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon, January 2009.
