Facts About Radon

Radon is naturally occurring throughout the United States.


It is a dense gas that is colorless, tasteless and odorless. Only a special test can detect the presence of radon.

Radon is measured in Picocuries per liter. A picocurie (pCi) is a measure of the rate of radioactive decay of radon.

Radon tends to collect in buildings through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sumps, joints and tiny cracks or pores in hollow-block walls.

We may ingest small amounts of radon with food and water; however, inhalation is the main route of entry into the body.

Radon and its decaying products may attach to particulates in the air we breathe. When we exhale, some of these particles are retained in our lungs.

There is no “safe Level” of radon exposure. Since radon is a Class A Carcinogen, any exposure poses some risk of cancer.

According to a 1999 National Academy of Science study, radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Next article is: Should I be Concerned about Radon Levels in our Area?