Why Do Radon Levels Matter?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is found everywhere and can build to dangerously high levels in your home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates radon inhalation causes about 14 percent of lung cancers worldwide, making it the second-leading risk of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is produced in the decay of naturally occurring uranium, and can be found in every state and country, though natural levels vary widely. Radon is released from rock or soil, seeps into homes through the foundation, and can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors. The good news is that you can test for radon quite easily, then easily and inexpensively mitigate radon in both new construction and existing homes. Test Your Home for Radon There are plenty of options for home radon test kits, including a $30 model that is highly rated by Consumer Reports. The kits aren’t truly do-it-yourself products. You collect an air sample, either over several days or several months, then send
