Breathing radon in your home can cause lung cancer

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil and water that can build up to

dangerous levels inside any home; this means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and

homes with or without a basement. Radon gas is odorless and invisible and the only way to know if your

home has a radon problem is to test for it.

Breathing radon can increase your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer

among people who do not smoke. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer for people who do. EPA

estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the U.S. If you smoke

and your home has a high radon level, your risk of lung cancer can increase even more.

Radon has been found in every state

Homes with high levels of radon have been found in every state. In fact, radon levels can vary greatly from

home to home‐‐even levels next door can be very different. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. In the United States, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend fixing homes with radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. EPA also recommends that people think about fixing their homes for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Should you test for radon?

Testing your house for radon is easy. If your house has a radon problem, it can be fixed. Fixing a radon problem reduces the risk of lung cancer for you and your family. A simple test will tell you if your home has a high radon level. Most radon tests last between2 and 7 days. At Ease Home / Environmental Inspections have qualified testers to do a radon test for you.   We provide 2 tests (1 indoor and the other is outdoor)  This will show the differential of the radon level in the home compaired to the outside environment. This willl provide you an accurate reading, and better prepare you and your family.

Can you can fix a radon problem?

Help is available to fix a radon problem. You can call your state radon office to find qualified radon

mitigators in your area.

Can new homes can be built with radon‐resistant features

Building new homes with simple and cost‐effective radon‐resistant features can reduce radon entry.

Contact your builder or visit www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/index.html for more information.

Every home should be tested before, or soon after, you move in. Even homes built with radon‐resistant

construction features should be tested. If high radon levels are found, it is easier and costs less to reduce

radon levels in homes that are built radon‐resistant.