Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless radioactive gas emitted from nearly all soils. Radon gas is created when uranium in soil and rock breaks down and decays, creating radioactive particles. These particles then enter buildings through cracks in walls, basements, floors, foundations, and potentially, through water used in showers and faucets, trapping it inside. Because there are no obvious signs or symptoms that point to high radon levels, many people may not know that they are being exposed to radon. But exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and anyone exposed long-term is putting their health at risk. This National Radon Action Month, we urge everyone to test for radon and take an important step toward creating a safe indoor environment for you and your family.
1. Radon causes lung cancer.
Many studies have been done to determine the health effects of radon which is why it is commonly known as the second leading cause of lung cancer. The EPA estimated that radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, with about 2,900 of these deaths occurring among people who have never smoked.
Once inhaled, radon particles can become trapped in your lungs, attacking cells with dangerous, cancer-causing radiation. Your chances of getting lung cancer are dependent most on how much radon you are exposed to, the period of exposure and whether or not you smoke cigarettes. That is why testing your home and addressing any problems as soon as possible is essential.
2. Anyone can have a radon problem.
Many people believe that they do not need to test for radon because they live in a safe area, but high radon levels have been found in every state, and in some states, radon levels are elevated in as many as 1 in 3 homes. They can even vary greatly from house to house, so just because your neighbor has safe levels of radon, doesn’t mean that you do. This is why all buildings need to be tested regularly, at least every 2-5 years. You can learn more about radon in your area by using this radon search tool.
It is well known that house construction can affect radon levels. However, many people do not realize that radon can be a problem in all types of homes: old, new, drafty, insulated, homes with basements and homes without basements.
3. Testing is the first step in reducing the risk of radon-induced lung cancer.
There are many affordable testing options including do-it-yourself test kits which are simple to use and inexpensive. You can also hire a certified radon measurement professional by contacting your state radon program.
There is a choice of short- or long-term tests. Short-term tests work by placing the test kit at the lowest level of your home and letting it measure levels for two to seven days. It is important to closely follow the directions to get the most accurate reading. Most tests will encourage keeping windows and doors closed and fans off as much as possible. It should also be placed somewhere it will not be disturbed, away from any drafts, exterior walls or somewhere where extreme weather may affect it. Once the testing period is complete, you will be instructed to seal the test kit and send it to a laboratory who will give you your results in a matter of weeks. Long-term tests are more accurate because they collect data over three months or longer.
The American Lung Association has partnered with Protect Environmental to offer low-cost or free radon test kits in select markets nationwide.
4. Radon problems can be easily fixed.
Radon gas is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action if radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or greater. Homeowners with radon levels between 2 and 4.0 pCi/L are also strongly encouraged to act as any level of radon carries risk so having the lowest level or radon is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
If you discover elevated radon levels in your home, there are several cost-efficient ways you can address the problem. The most common is to install a radon mitigation system, which collects radon gas from underneath your home and vents it to the outdoors. This system uses a vent pipe and a fan and does not require any major house renovations. However, sealing any cracks in the foundation and baseline floor is suggested to make the system more efficient. The cost to install a radon mitigation system is comparable to other home repairs and upgrade projects, depending on location and the complexity of the system.
5. Your family's health depends on it.
Even though you can’t smell or see it, radon can build up in any home or building and become dangerous. The only way to know your radon risk at home is to test for it. Everyone's health is negatively affected by being exposed to radon, but children and older adults are particularly susceptible to the effects of radon because of their developing or aging lungs. Protect your family and keep your home safe.
Created in partnership with Protect Environmental.
Blog last updated: January 15, 2025