Radon is a naturally occurring gas present in nearly all the air you breathe. It's also a known carcinogen; radon exposure is related to 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. While radon is impossible to avoid entirely, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to this dangerous gas.
Presence
Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas produced by the decay of natural uranium in soil and water. Low levels of radon are present in outdoor air and drinking water from rivers and lakes; higher levels are found in homes and buildings, as well as in drinking water that comes from wells. Radon can easily travel through the air and is found throughout the United States.
Effects
When radon decays, it emits radioactive particles that are inhaled and become trapped in the lungs. The particles produce bursts of energy that damage lung tissue and can lead to lung cancer. Radon exposure is actually the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Smokers who live in areas with elevated radon levels are at particularly high risk for developing lung cancer.
Exposure
Although radon is present virtually everywhere, the biggest health concern is the radon level in your home, since that’s where you spend most of your time. Potentially dangerous levels of radon can build up indoors when the gas enters through cracks and holes in a home’s foundation or basement. Although radon levels differ throughout the country, all homes, whether new or old, are at risk for radon build-up. High levels of radon have been identified in almost every state, with particularly large areas of elevated radon in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest, according to the American Cancer Society.
Protecting Yourself
To determine whether your home has dangerous levels of radon, purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a professional. The EPA recommends taking action if the radon levels measure 4 pCi/L or greater, although even levels below this number pose a health threat. A radon mitigation contractor can install a soil suction radon-reduction system that vents radon from under your home into the outdoor air. Fixing cracks in your foundation will make the system more efficient.
Learning More
Federal, state and local resources can provide information about radon exposure in your area and what you can do to protect yourself. Every state has a radon office that can provide details about local radon levels and direct you to qualified professionals who can reduce home radon exposure. The EPA also publishes detailed reports about fixing, buying, selling and building safer homes.
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