October 20 - 26 is National Radon Action Week

Everyone knows that direct smoking is the nation's number one cause of lung cancer. But most people will be surprised to learn that radon exposure is the number two cause. So here are a few facts about radon.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that comes from deposits of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, can be harmful, especially at elevated levels. Radon is a radioactive decay product of radium, which is itself a decay product of uranium. Uranium and radium are both common elements in soil.

Where is Radon Found?

The primary source of high levels of radon in homes is the surrounding soil. Radon has been found in elevated levels in homes in every state, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as many as one in 15 homes across the U.S. have elevated radon levels.

How Does Radon Get Into My House?

Warm air rises. When this happens in your home, it creates a vacuum in the lower areas of the house. Nature hates a vacuum, so something must rush in to fill it. In the case of your home, air seeps in from the soil around and under the house, and some air is sucked in through openings (cracks, doors, windows) on the lower levels. Radon gas enters the same way air and other soil gases enter the home; through cracks in the foundation floor or walls, hollow-block walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.

What are the Health Effects of Radon?

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon can be inhaled into the lungs, where it undergoes radioactive decay. As it decays, radon releases tiny bursts of energy called alpha particles, which can harm sensitive lung tissue by damaging the DNA. This damaged DNA can lead to lung cancer.

How do I Find Out if My House has Elevated Levels of Radon?

Radon test kits that meet EPA guidelines can be obtained from a radon testing company or laboratory. Get a listing from your state radon office or local health department. They are available at local hardware stores and home improvement stores. Testing your home for radon is as simple as opening a package, placing a radon detector in a designated area, and, after the prescribed number of days, sealing the detector back in the package and mailing it to a lab.

Information on testing your home for radon and how to get a test kit is also available by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON.