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This diagram above displays the step-by-step flow of uranium and radon into a household6.
What is Radon?
Radon is a natural, odorless, and tasteless gas created from uranium undergoing radioactive decay1. Uranium can be found in soil and rocks, and radon gas can be released into the air or water. Radon can also decay into radiation. High energy alpha radiation can be created as a byproduct from decay and can localize into the lung tissue2. Radon leads to poor health outcomes, such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and ulcers1. It is the primary cause of lung cancer that is unrelated to smoking5.
What are some statistics on radon?7
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In 2025, about 1,384 out of 14,099 lung cancer cases were reported as radon-induced lung cancer in New York
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In 2025, about 59 out of 278 lung cancer cases were reported as radon-induced lung cancer in Wyoming
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In 2025, about 966 out of 5,032 lung cancer cases were reported as radon-induced lung cancer in Indiana
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For more information about the radon-induced cases in your state, visit https://aarst.org/Report-Cards/IN-Report-Card.html
How do you know if you have been exposed?
Low levels of radon can be in outdoor air, whereas it can attach to dust and exposure occurs as dust gets inhaled. High levels of radon are contained indoors in homes, schools, or office buildings. Furthermore, cracks in the basement or in the foundation of a home can increase levels of radon inside3. Since radon is created from uranium, be aware of areas with high levels of uranium, such as mining or milling operations that involve metals or phosphates. Radon can also be found in drinking water or airborne when that water gets used for cooking or showering. According to the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), 1 out of 15 homes have high radon levels1.
Radon in our Homes5
The science of radon in the our homes and how it is dangerous.
How can I test my home for radon?
Governmental Recommendations:
According to the EPA, if measured indoor levels of radon are 4 or greater picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/L)4. Levels below 4 can still be harmful though. They recommend using a certified radon mitigation specialist to ensure appropriate methods are used to lower radon levels.
Radon toolkits:
You can obtain a radon test kit through your state radon office for resources in your area. You can either hire a radon tester or purchase a radon test kit from your local radon office, hardware store, or by calling 1-800-SOS-Radon. There are different tests, but they all come with lists of instructions and resources for more detailed information2. Once you complete the steps, you send it to a lab and wait for the results. If the levels are above 4, then test it a second time to confirm. If it is 4 again, it is time to take action: contact your state radon office and find a specialist, a mitigation contractor, and they can reduce the levels. After the repairs are made, be sure to test your home again. Just because your neighbor’s home has low levels, this is not a good indicator of the radon levels in your personal home.
Related Resources and References1,2:
Contacting a specialist: 1–800–557–2366
If you are in need of commercial testing: radonova.org
Ordering radon testing kits and instructions:1–800–767–7236
More information regarding radon reduction in the household: 1-800-644-6999
1. CDC. Radon Resources. Radon. Published December 26, 2024. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/radon/communication-resources/index.html
2. Radon and Cancer. Cancer.gov. Published December 6, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet#where-can-people-find-more-information-about-radon
3. Radon | Department of Public Health & Environment. cdphe.colorado.gov. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/hm/radon
4. Radon Report Card | Indoor Environments Association. Aarst.org. Published 2025. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://aarst.org/report-card/
5. Radon in our Homes: The Science Behind the Danger | Aaron Goodarzi | TEDxYYC. www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHoITOI1d8k
6. How Does Radon Get Inside Your Home? | Certified Environmental Contractors. Certified Environmental Contractors. Published May 7, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2025. https://www.certified-enviro.com/blog/how-does-radon-get-inside-your-home/
7. Radon Report Card | Indoor Environments Association. Aarst.org. Published 2025. https://aarst.org/report-card/