Radon a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that accumulates inside homes is suspected of causing between 5.000 & 20.000 lung cancer deaths a year in the United States. The gas is a product of the decay of uranium and it may penetrate through cracks in the walls and foundations of a home. It can also contaminate the household water supply, or it can be emitted through some building materials.
Here are four ways you can reduce the risk of radon exposure:
1) Make sure there is good ventilation throughout your house.
2) Test your home for radon. Levels below 4 picocuries/liter are considered safe.
3) Get in touch with a professional. You can get information and advice from your public health department. Most solutions to reducing radon levels, such as sealing cracks in the basement floor, are relatively inexpensive.
The test for radon requires a specially made charcoal canister which is available at industrial supply houses. The canister is attached to a wall in the basement for a day or a month, depending on the test.
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