What is radon?

• Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste which occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium inside the earth
• Outdoors it’s dispersed in the air without any harmful effects, but trapped inside a building, it can lead to health problems

How dangerous is it?

• It’s estimated that 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused each year by radon, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer.
• Radon-induced lung cancer costs the United States over $2 billion dollars per year in both direct and indirect health care costs.
• According to the EPA, one in 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels over 4 pCi/L. That level presents approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if that family were standing next to the fence of a radioactive waste site.

How do I know if my home has radon?

• You don’t know if you have a problem unless you test.
• Radon test kits that meet EPA requirements are available at local hardware stores and home improvement stores, and typically cost less than $25.

What then?

• The National Safety Council, a non-profit organization, operates the Radon Fix-It Program free of charge.
• Through their toll free number (800) 644-6999, they’ll provide referrals to technical experts, information on reducing elevated radon levels, guidelines for choosing a test kit or a testing company, and information about testing in connection with a real estate transaction.
• The Council also provide lists of contractors certified by the National Environmental Health Association and/or the National Radon Safety Board who are qualified to offer advice and perform radon mitigation.

In addition to the National Safety Council, the EPA’s Web site http://www.epa.gov/radon also has general information about radon.