Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium and radium in soil, rock and water. Radon, which is released into the air we breathe, is found all over the United States — in buildings, homes, offices and schools. It can reach drastically high levels, causing a major health concern. Radon is estimated to cause 21,000 lung cancer deaths in this country each year, according to the EPA.

Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into homes through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon, where it can build up once inside. Homes of any age and construction can have radon.

Testing for radon is inexpensive, easy and the only way to know if you and your family are at risk of exposure. The EPA and the Surgeon General advise testing all homes below the third floor for radon. The EPA also advises that schools be tested.

If you find that your home has radon, it can be fixed in ways that are not too costly. Even very high levels of radon can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Lung Cancer Risk

Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that become trapped in your lungs when you breathe. This may lead to lung tissue damage and to lung cancer over the course of a lifetime. Not all people exposed to high (elevated) radon levels will develop lung cancer, and the amount of time between exposure and onset of disease may be years. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Smoking combined with radon exposure poses an especially serious health risk. The chance of getting lung cancer from radon depends on:

• How much radon is in your home.
• The amount of time you spend in your home.
• Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked.

For more information on radon, contact your state radon office or visit the EPA's website.

Source: The StayWell Company LLC