The Bad News
- Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas released from the normal decay of the elements uranium, thorium and radium in rocks and soil.
- Radon breaks down into several radioactive elements called "radon decay products," which are solid particles that become suspended in air. They are extremely small and easily inhaled, can attach to lung tissue, further decay and expose the lungs to radiation, and can cause lung cancer.
- Radon is a "Group A" carcinogen, a substance known to cause cancer in humans.
- Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers.
- According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) radon is associated with 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
- Radon can get it into any type of building—homes, offices, and schools—and result in a high indoor radon level.
- Families are most likely to get the greatest exposure at home, where they spend most of their time.
The Good News
- You can test for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy.
- A radon problem is fixable. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
- New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.