What is randon?

Randon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is a byproduct of the decay of uranium and radium in the earth's crust. Randon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and exposure to high levels of radon over a long period of time has been linked to cancer of the lung, as well as other respiratory problems.

Radon enters homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and floors. High levels of radon can be found in any type of home, including newly built homes and those with basements or crawl spaces. Testing for radon levels in a home is important, as it is the only way to determine if a home has dangerous levels of the gas. Radon testing can typically be done by a professional or through DIY testing kits. Mitigation systems can be installed to reduce radon levels in a home, if necessary.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners take action to mitigate if their radon level is over 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). It is estimated that 1 in 15 homes in the United States has elevated levels of radon.