Radon.

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Basically, Radon is a radioactive gas, and it is cancer causing.

More definitively, Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, a melting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and (depending on the source, there are between 20 and 25 isotopes of radon, 20 cited in the chemical summary, 25 listed in the table of isotopes). It is an extremely toxic, colorless gas, and can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid. Radon is derived from the radioactive decay of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. 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.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America. Radon claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year, but exposure to radon is a preventable health risk. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings.

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the country each year. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has radon, your risk of lung cancer can be higher.

Radon has been found in elevated levels in homes in every state.

No area of the country is free from risk. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing your house for radon is easy to do.

If your house has a radon problem, you can take steps to fix it to protect yourself and your family. Any home may have a radon problem.

According to Paul Norris, WIN radon home inspection owner, he places two testing canisters out at different times. Each one stays in the home for 48 hours. He then sends both canisters out for testing at a lab.