| Radon is a radioactive gas.
It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically
moves up through the ground to the air above and into cracks and other holes in the
foundation. Your home traps radon inside where it can build up. Any home may have a radon
problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes with or without
basements. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the US is estimated to have elevated radon
levels. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that
can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these
particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung
cancer over the course of your lifetime. The amount of time between exposure and the onset
of the disease may be many years. |
