What Is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas. If you look for radon, you will not see it. You canot smell it or taste it. It can be a serious problem in your home.

Radon is blamed for thousands of deaths per year. This is due to the air you breathe that contains radon which can cause lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the US warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking. If you are a smoker, your risk of lung cancer is especially high if you have high radon levels in your home. 

Radon is found everywhere in the U.S. It comes from the earth and the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can get into the air you breathe. It is found in all types of buildings such as your home, your office and in your schools. Most people get exposed at home where you spend a lot of time.

It is important that everyone test your home for Radon. You need to know if you are being exposed in your home. Testing is not expensive and easy to do. The EPA and the Surgeon General of the US recommends we all test in buildings below the third floor and in schools.

Fixing the problem is accomplished by a Radon Mitigation System installed in home, school or office. These systems can remove or reduce as much as 95% of of high level of the radioactive gas.  High levels can become acceptable levels once again.

New Construction now can incorporate radon-resistant techniques that prevent radon entry into the home. When they are properly installed, these techniques help reduce radon levels in a home. The acceptable level according to the EPA of Radon is below 4 pCi/L. Every new home should be tested for Radon prior to moving in.