Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is a by-product of the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, floor drains, floor/wall junctures, sump pumps, etc. and become trapped in the building. Once trapped in a building, radon can build up to harmful levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. This is due to its radioactive nature. Radon damages the lungs when it is breathed in, and research has found that smokers are at a greater risk of developing cancer due to radon exposure.

Several factors affect radon levels in homes. These include local geology, construction materials, and how your home was built. The average level of radon indoors is 1.3 picoCuries per liter (pCi.L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends remediation if radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. The only way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home is to perform a radon test. Radon test kits may be purchased from a hardware store or the health department for a nominal fee. Whenever you perform a radon test, it is important to follow the test directions carefully. If you determine that there are high levels of radon in your home, you should consult a radon contractor who is certified with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Radon Proficiency Program. Radon reduction methods may be as simple as sealing cracks in your home, but radon problems are most effectively resolved by installing a radon mitigation system that may cost from $800- $2,500.

Links to other information:

EPA’S Radon Info

NEHA and National Radon Proficiency Program

EPA has various publications on radon that may be obtained on the web such as:

Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction
The Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon
A Citizen's Guide to Radon

Additional EPA Radon publications

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

American Lung Association website on radon