Radon
- Indoor Air Quality - Introduction
- Combustion Pollutants
- Household Products
- Second Hand Smoke
- Formaldehyde
- Mold
- Radon
- Resources
Radon
What is it?
Radon is naturally occurring, extremely toxic, and colorless gas. It is dangerous because it can easily seep from the ground into the air of a home. It typically enters the home through the foundation by a variety of paths: cracks in the basement floors, drains, sump pumps, exposed soil, construction joints, or loose fitting pipes. Other sources include building materials and well water, although radon exposure from well water is not as likely.
Effects:
There are no immediate symptoms attributed to high levels of radon exposure. However, lung cancer, which usually occurs between 5 and 25 years after exposure, is a health effect that has been definitely linked with radon exposure. In fact, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at an even higher risk of developing radon induced lung cancer. Currently there is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk than adults.
What can you do?
- Seal foundation cracks and holes
- Make sure your home is well ventilated.
- Low-cost radon test kits are available by mail order, in hardware stores, and through other retail outlets
- The EPA recommends that consumers use measurement devices that are state-certified or have met the requirements of a proficiency program to detect levels in the home.
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