What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in nearly all soils.  It enters buildings byway of the ground through cracks and openings in the foundations.  Once inside the radon can become trapped and unless the building is properly ventilated to remove the gas, it can become a health hazard. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon increase ones risk of contracting lung cancer.  The levels of radon vary throughout the country and the concentrations entering homes varies from home to home. Because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. There are simple ways to fix a problem if needed.

The EPA has determined that exposure to Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

 

Learn more from, "The California Department of Health Services" webpage: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/radon/radon.htm#California Certified Providers of Radon Services

Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

 

* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).  The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports

 

radon risk bar chart