What is Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It's the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
The U.S. Surgeon issued this General Health Advisory in January 2005:
"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."
* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.
- Radon decay products can only enter your body by breathing.
- The damage is done over an extended period of time.
- Radon cannot be seen and doesn't have any odor.
- Radon can easily be eliminated from your home.
- Get your home tested if you do not know its Radon level.
- The EPA and Surgeon General recommend having your home tested.
- Select a radon mitigation contractor that has the proper training and certification.
Radon comes from the natural break down of Uranium in the soil. As Uranium breaks down into other elements, it eventually becomes Radon gas, which enters the home through the slab, basement, or crawl space. Radon gas breaks down and gives off a small Alpha radiation particle that can be inhaled. When this particle lands on your lungs and decays, there is a small amount of damage done. If this continues over an extended period of time, it can eventually do great harm. This is why the EPA suggests that you get your Radon level tested.
The Bureau of Radiation Protection, Radon Division offers these short and informative videos about Radon and Radon reduction: