Radon is a naturally occurring cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon but it may be a problem in your home. Radon is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home’s foundation.  Because of this difference in pressure, your house acts as a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings.  Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.  In the United States, radon gas in soil is the principal source of elevated radon levels in homes. (see diagram 1)

Why is it dangerous? 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 5,000 and 30,000 of the lung cancer deaths by Americans each year are attributable to indoor exposure to radon. Because of this number, a "high" cancer risk ranking has been assigned to indoor radon. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has elevated radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is even greater.1

The U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

“Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable.  Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well established venting techniques.” 2 January 2005

Testing | Mitigation
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Radon Resources on the Web:

http://www.neha-nrpp.org The National Environmental Health Association's National Radon Proficiency Program

http://www.epa.gov/radon/   Main EPA radon page.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/where youlive.html  Detailed information on your States radon office.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq   EPA’s main page on indoor air quality.