What is Radon?

Radon is a gas and comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family. Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of building -- homes, offices, and schools -- and build up to high levels.

What you should know about Radon

Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it. When you breathe air-containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to find out about your home's radon level. It's recommended that all homes should be tested below the third floor for radon.

You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

If you are buying a home. It is strongly recommended that you obtain the radon level in the home you are considering buying. If elevated levels are found, it is recommended that these levels be reduced. In most cases, a professional can accomplish this at a reasonable cost.

What are the Risk Factors?

Continued exposure to Radon gas can cause lung cancer. In fact, all homes should be tested for radon gas exposure, and all homes testing over 4 pCi/L should be fixed.

How Does Radon Enter the Home?

Typically the air pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure in the soil around your home's foundation. Due to this difference, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon gas in through foundation cracks and other openings of your home. Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses.

Potential Entry Points:

1	Cavities inside walls	2	Cracks in solid floors	3	Construction joints
4	Cracks in walls	5	The water supply	6	Gaps in suspended floors
7	Gaps around service pipes