FAQs about Radon
What is radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.
How does radon get into homes?
Radon typically moves through the ground to the air in your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Any home, new or old, can have a radon problem.
What are the effects of radon?
The only known effect of radon is lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. The EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by radon each year in the United States.
What is considered a "safe" level of radon?
A safe level of radon is between 2 and 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or lower. If your home has a radon level of 4 pCi/L or greater, it's recommended that you fix your home to bring the level down.
- Information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, epa.gov/radon
