Dangers of Radon Gas

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that's found everywhere. It is a by-product of uranium breakdown within the earth's crust. Radon gas is dangerous because it is not easily detected and presents serious health risks. Knowing the dangers of radon is an important part of protecting your health and taking steps to lower your risk of exposure.

Location and Detection

One of the greatest dangers of radon gas is that it seeps into people's homes undetected, contaminating the air they breathe. Radon gas it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. As a result, you may have a radon gas issue in your home and be unaware of it. The only way that you can reliably detect radon is by using a test kit. These kits are available at hardware stores or home improvement centers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, known as the EPA, recommends immediate corrective action if your home's radon level exceeds 4 picocuries per liter. While radon present in the air presents the greater danger, radon can also be found in your drinking water. If you use a private well system, you should test your water as well.
People who live in the Midwest and the Northeast generally have greater concentrations of radon, according to EPA's map of radon zones. If you find that your home has unhealthy levels of radon, you may need to find ways to lower the radon levels. The EPA website provides information on how to locate a certified radon remediation contractor.

Lung Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The institute estimates that up to 20,000 Americans die each year from this source of air pollution. A 2005 study published in the journal "Epidemiology" found direct evidence of a link between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that between 6 and 15 percent of all cases of lung cancer worldwide are caused by radon gas.

Dangers to Smokers

If you smoke, you dramatically increase the health risks associated with radon exposure. According to the EPA, risk of developing lung cancer increases from 2 in 1,000 for nonsmokers to 20 in 1,000 for smokers. These figures are based on a radon level of 1.3 picocuries per liter, which is the average indoor radon level. The risk increases with the level of radon present in the air.