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What is Radon?
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and
water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You
can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it.
Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building — homes,
offices, and schools — and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family
are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your
time.
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because
when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon
General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United
States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your
home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
[Source: EPA.gov]
What is a Mitigator?
Person trained and credentialed to install radon reduction systems in Iowa.
[Source: EPA.gov]
How do I know if I am at risk for being exposed to Radon?
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and
the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA
also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy — it should only
take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes
for radon.
[Source: EPA.gov]
What do I do if I have high levels of Radon in my home?
Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction
systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can
be reduced to acceptable levels.
[Source: EPA.gov]
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