The Surgeon General warns that radon (a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium) is the second leading cause of lung cancer in our country, producing nearly 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. It’s especially dangerous to smokers.

Radon occurs naturally in nearly all soils; it moves up through the ground and enters homes through small cracks or holes in the foundation. It is estimated that nearly one out of every 15 houses in the US has an elevated radon level. It can be a problem in any home — new or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement. Since levels of radon can vary from building to building in the same neighborhood, the only way to determine its level in your home is to test for it. The EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor for radon. The test is easy and inexpensive.

What if you find a high radon level? According to the EPA, radon reduction systems are not too costly, and can reduce even very high levels to acceptable levels. There are several proven systems available, and a qualified contractor should have the technical knowledge and training to help you choose the best method for reducing radon levels in your home.

For more information, see the EPA publication, “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.”