“Radon”-What is it?
You can’t see radon, you can’t smell it, or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home.
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year.
That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer.
Where does radon come from?
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the world. It can get into any type of building – homes, offices, and schools – and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.
How does radon get into your home?
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.