Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon gets into the air you breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in the foundation. Radon gas is not visible and has no odor or taste. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, estimated to cause thousands of deaths annually. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Nearly one in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. Testing the home is the only way to determine the radon level. Depending on the level of radon in the home, additional action may be needed. According to the EPA there is no known safe level of exposure to radon. The EPA strongly recommends immediate radon mitigation of the home if the test shows 4 picocuries (pCi/L) or more. If the radon test shows between 2 and 4 pCi/L, the owner should consider radon mitigation.
For more information about radon, please contact the Environmentalist at your local health center.