WHAT IS RADON?

 

Radon is an gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and gets into the air you breathe. You can not smell nor see it.  Radon can be found all over the U.S. and can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools, but your home is where you have the highest risk of exposure to radon because this is where you spend the majority of your time.

 

WHAT EFFECTS CAN RADON HAVE ON MY FAMILY?

 

Radon is known to cause lung cancer.  In fact, the Surgeon General says that radon is the number two leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, only behind smoking.  According to the EPA study “EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03 003)”, it estimates that over 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are caused by radon.  If you smoke, this only adds to the risk.

 

IS RADON A PROBLEM IN MY HOME?

 

Radon can be a problem anywhere.  Testing your home is the only way to determine if you have a high concentration of radon.  Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states.  There have also been cases of radon being in very high concentrations in one home and the house adjacent to it having very low levels of concentration.  

   

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO MY HOME?

 

Radon typically comes from the ground and rises through the cracks and other openings in the foundation of your home.  Your house will then trap the gas in the air that you breathe.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE RADON?

 

Radon CAN be reduced in your home.  The EPA recommends that EVERYONE should test their home.  Whether you are a home buyer or a homeowner, if the test results are above the EPA recommended levels, you should then take action to reduce the levels in the home.