You can’t see it or smell it, but radon gas could be prevalent in your home, putting you and your loved ones at risk for lung cancer.

Here are four facts to know about radon.

Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in floors and foundations. Radon may also come from water from wells that contain the gas.

When inhaled, radioactive particles given off by radon can damage cells that line the lungs, causing cancer.

Everyone should test their home for radon.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum acceptable level of radon in a home is 4 pCi/L (picocuries).

Radon has been found in elevated levels in homes in every state. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. According to the EPA, initial measurements in homes should be short-term tests placed in the lowest lived-in level.

Radon levels can vary widely even in homes next to each other. If your neighbor tested for radon and didn’t find elevated levels, that’s not a guarantee that your home is safe.

You can obtain radon test kits in several ways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you contact your state radon office for specific information and resources in your area for testing. They can provide you with a list of qualified radon testers.

You can either hire a radon tester or purchase a radon test kit from a hardware store and do it yourself. However, the EPA recommends hiring a qualified tester if you are buying or selling a home.

You can repair a radon problem.

If the tester finds radon levels in your home that are above the EPA’s acceptable limit, contact a professional radon contractor regarding ways to mitigate radon. Several repair methods are available. For example, sealing the cracks in floors and walls may help.

Another option is a soil suction system. A soil suction system uses pipes and fans to pull the radon out from below the foundation or in the crawl space before it enters the home.

A radon contractor can help you decide which method is best for your home. A system installed when a house is being built usually is much less expensive. Ask if a house has been tested for radon before buying it or moving in.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Environmental Protection Agency
The StayWell Company, LLC