Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, produced naturally by the decay of uranium. Radon particles can be trapped in the lungs when inhaled, and prolonged exposure can damage the tissue of the lungs, potentially leading to lung cancer. In the US, radon is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
Because radon exposure causes no irritation or immediate health effects, exposure usually goes unnoticed until there are more serious health consequences. It’s especially dangerous for children, whose faster respiration and smaller lungs translate to higher doses even at the same concentration.
Fortunately, testing for radon is simple:
- Kits are inexpensive, and can be purchased at most hardware stores or online.
- Though testing can take place in any season, it’s important to avoid drafts and keep windows closed during the testing period.
- Testing involves leaving the kit in place for 3-7 days.
- Once the collection period is complete, the kit can be sent off to a lab for analysis (pre-addressed mailers are usually included with store-bought kits).
You can also purchase radon detectors for continuous monitoring, though these are more expensive.
If you do detect high levels of radon in your home, there's no need to move. You can install a radon mitigation system to lower radon levels, at a cost ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your home and your preferences.
Some states have significantly higher average radon levels, in large part due to higher levels of uranium in the soil (the EPA has created a map of radon zones in the US, though individual risk can vary widely). If you live in an area with higher radon concentrations, you should test at least every two years.
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