What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that causes lung cancer.  It results from the decay of trace amounts of uranium, found in most rock and soil.  The uranium stays in the ground, but radon gas seeps upward and enters buildings.  Radon gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless and can only be detected by testing.  

Radon gas levels vary from location to location.  Even homes next door to each other can have very different radon levels.  The US EPA has created maps showing the potential for high radon levels.  Elevated radon gas levels have been found in every county in the United States.

To reduce the risk of lung cancer, the US EPA recommends corrective action be taken in every home with radon above the action level of 4 pCi/L.  If you don't smoke and live in a 4 pCi/L home, you have a long-range health risk equal to smoking a half a pack of cigarettes a day.  If you do smoke and live in a 4 pCi/L home, the risk is 14 times greater.

One out of every 15 homes in the United States has radon gas levels above 4 pCi/L.  Most homes can have their radon gas levels lowered to below 2 pCi/L.  New homes can be designed to prevent high radon levels.

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