Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. It is odorless, invisible, and can enter homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. Breathing in high levels of radon over time can cause lung cancer. Here are some key facts about radon in homes:

• All homes have some radon gas.
• Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Radon levels inside houses below 4 pCi/L are considered acceptable.
• Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. You can use a 2-day test kit or 90-day test kit, or hire a professional to test for radon for you.
• If your home has radon levels above 4 pCi/L, you should take action. Consider contacting a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system (also called a radon mitigation system) in your home. EPA recommends installing a system if your radon level is at or above 4 pCi/L of air.
• You should test your home for radon if it has never been tested or radon levels are unknown, when preparing to buy or sell, before and after any renovations, and before making any lifestyle changes in the home that would cause someone to spend more time in the basement or lower level.
• High levels of radon in the home can be reduced. Fixes for a home that has elevated levels of radon could be DIY, including sealing cracks in the foundation, improving your home’s natural ventilation, and creating room pressurization with fans. However, the EPA recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor fix your home.

It is important to test your home for radon and take action if levels are above the acceptable limit to reduce the risk of lung cancer.