Radon is a natural radioactive gas, which seeps into buildings from minute amounts of uranium that is present in all rocks, soil, bricks, and concrete. In highly concentrated amounts, radon can be harmful to the human body, but there is absolutely no need to panic. The following information will tell you what radon is, how to tell if it affects your home or workplace, and what you can do to reduce it. Remember, radon has been in the earth since the formation of our planet, and with proper testing and mitigation, we can keep everyone safe from its effects.
Radon may cause cancer, and may be found in drinking water and indoor air. Some people who are exposed to radon in drinking water may have an increased risk of contracting cancer over the course of their lifetime, especially lung cancer. Radon in soil under homes is the biggest source of radon in indoor air and presents a greater risk of lung cancer than radon in drinking water. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.