EPA 402/F-12/005 | February 2013
Breathing radon in your home can cause lung cancer
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels inside any home; this means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without a basement. Radon gas is odorless and invisible and the only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it.
Breathing radon can increase your risk of lung cancer
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer for people who do. The EPA estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the U.S. If you smoke and your home has a high radon level, your risk of lung cancer can increase even more.
Radon has been found in every state
Homes with high levels of radon have been found in every state. In fact, radon levels can vary greatly from home to home--even levels next door can be very different.
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. In the United States, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend fixing homes with radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. EPA also recommends that people think about fixing their homes for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
You should test for radon
Testing your house for radon is easy. If your house has a radon problem, it can be fixed. Fixing a radon problem reduces the risk of lung cancer for you and your family. A simple test will tell you if your home has a high radon level. Most radon tests last between 2 and 7 days. Radon is a serious health risk; it can be reduced easily and cost-effectively. Take action today. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same!
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends ALL homes be tested for radon gas
Test kits can be ordered online, and sometimes you can get a test kit from your state radon office. You also can hire a qualified tester to do a radon test for you. Your state radon program may keep a list of these professionals.
Kansas State University, under a cooperative agreement with EPA, provides national radon program services, including selling radon test kits and answering toll-free radon hotlines. For more information about radon testing call 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) or visit www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html.
You can fix a radon problem
Help is available to fix a radon problem. You can call your state radon office to find qualified radon mitigators in your area. Also local companies with radon mitigators are in the phone book or online. The cost to reduce radon depends on how your home was built and how you use it. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.
New homes can be built with radon-resistant features
Building new homes with simple and cost-effective radon-resistant features can reduce radon entry. Contact your builder or visit www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/index.html for more information.
Every home should be tested before, or soon after, you move in. Even homes built with radon-resistant construction features should be tested. If high radon levels are found, it is easier and costs less to reduce radon levels in homes that are built radon-resistant.
EPA 402/F-12/005 | February 2013
For more information, or to schedule a test, call the local Certified Radon Pros from Alpha Radon, LLC at: (724) 480-5828.
