WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive gas. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. High levels of radon have been found in every state in the U.S. Problems associated with human exposure to radon gas have only recently been recognized by the public health community.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF RADON
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, radon is estimated to cause about 14,000 deaths per year, although the number could be as many as 30,000.

Radon becomes lodged in the lungs when it is inhaled. From the lungs, it can radiate and penetrate the cells of the respiratory system. The decay of radon emits alpha particles which are damaging to these tissues. Exposure to both radon and smoking greatly enhances the risk of lung cancer.

SOURCES OF RADON IN THE HOME
Radon gas can enter a home from the soil under the house through cracks in the concrete slab, floor, or walls, floor drains, sump pumps, construction joints and cracks or pores in hollow-block walls. Normal pressure differences between the house and the soil can create a vacuum in the home, which can draw radon from the soil into the building. The design, construction and ventilation of the home all affect the radon levels of the home.

Well water can be another source of indoor radon levels. Radon released by well water during showering or other activities may release radon gas into the home. Radon from water is a much smaller factor in radon exposure than is radon from soil.

Radon exposure outdoors is much less of a risk than indoors because the radon is diluted to low concentrations by the air.