Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that is found in soil and rock in all parts of the United States. It is formed by the decay of uranium, which is a natural process. Radon gas is invisible, and it has no odor or taste.
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home can have a radon problem, old and new homes, well sealed and drafty homes and homes without basements.
Studies show that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. The higher the radon level indoors, the greater amount you breathe. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter or pCi/L. The EPA recommends that you take action to reduce radon if the radon level in your home is 4 pCi/L or higher.
For more information call the Radon Information lines below.
Radon Information Hotlines:
To receive general information on radon:
National Radon Hotline (National Safety Council)
1-800-767-7236
To ask general questions about radon:
Nation Radon Helpline (National Safety Council)
1-800-557-2366
To get info on how to fix a radon problem:
Radon Fix it Line
(Consumer Federation of America)
1-800-644-6999
To ask general questions about radon in Spanish:
COSSMHO Information Line
(Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations)
1-800-725-8312
Re: A Citizens Guide to Radon, EPA, Environmental Law Institute