There is no scientific doubt that Radon gas is a known human lung carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to high levels of Radon gas can cause lung cancer. Millions of homes and buildings contain high levels of radon gas. The EPA's efforts are directed at locating the homes with high levels and encouraging remediation of them.

As a means of prevention, the EPA and the Office of the Surgeon General recommend that all homes below the third floor be tested for Radon. Because Radon is invisible and odorless, a simple test is the only way to determine if a home has high radon levels. The EPA recommends mitigating homes with high Radon levels and there are straight-forward reduction techniques that will work in virtually any home.

Most homes won't have a Radon problem, but by conducting a simple test, you can find out if you do or don't have elevated Radon levels in your home (above 4.0 picocuries).

Sources of Radon

Earth and rock beneath home; well water; building materials.

Health Effects From Exposure to Radon

No immediate symptoms. Estimated to contribute to between 7,000 and 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer.

Radon Levels in Homes

Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.