A Citizen’s Guide 

To Radon 

The Guide To Protecting 

Yourself And Your Family From 

Radon

EPA 402/K-09/001 | January 2009 | www.epa.gov/radon

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
2

EPA Recommends:

 Test your home for radon—it’s easy and 

inexpensive.

 Fix your home if your radon level is 

4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

 Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a 

risk, and in many cases may be reduced. Radon is 

estimated 

to cause 

thousands of 

lung cancer 

deaths in the 

U.S. each year.

*Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according 

to EPA’s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The 

numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 

Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

30,000

deaths

per year

10,000

Drownings

2

Home

Fires

Falls in 

the Home

21,000

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

17,400

8,000

3,900 2,800

RADON* Drunk 

Driving

2 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
3

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in 

your home.

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.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock 

and water and gets into the air you breathe. 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.

You should test for 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 (see page 5).

You can fix a radon problem.

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.

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.

Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. 

When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques 

can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the 

time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels 

further if these passive techniques don’t reduce radon levels to below 4 pCi/L. 

Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radonresistant. If radon levels are still in excess of 4 pCi/L, the passive system should be 

activated by having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan. For more explanation 

of radon resistant construction techniques, refer to EPA publication, Building Radon 

Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes (see page 15).

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009 3

OVERVIEW

A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 3
4

RADON GETS IN THROUGH:

1. Cracks in solid floors.

2. Construction joints.

3. Cracks in walls.

4. Gaps in 

suspended floors.

5. Gaps around 

service pipes.

6. Cavities inside walls.

7. The water supply.

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO YOUR HOME?

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 your home through 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, wellsealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes 

radon enters the home through well water (see page 8). In a small number 

of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building 

Any home may

have a radon

problem.

materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated 

radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your 

state. Contact your state radon office (see back cover) for general 

information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be 

more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only 

way to know about your home is to test.

Radon can also be a problem in schools and workplaces. Ask your state 

radon office (see back cover) about radon problems in schools, daycare and 

childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area (also visit www.epa.gov/

radon).

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009 4 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
5

HOW TO TEST YOUR HOME

You can’t see radon, but it’s not hard to find out if you have a radon 

problem in your home. All you need to do is test for radon. Testing is easy 

and should only take a few minutes of your time.

The amount of radon in the air is measured in “picocuries per liter of 

air,” or “pCi/L.” There are many kinds of low-cost “do it yourself” radon 

test kits you can get through the mail and in some hardware stores and 

other retail outlets. If you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, 

you can hire a qualified tester to do the testing for you. You should first 

contact your state radon office about obtaining a list of qualified testers. 

You can also contact a private radon proficiency program for lists of 

privately certified radon professionals serving your area. For links and 

more information, visit www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html.

There are Two General Ways to Test for Radon:

SHORT-TERM TESTING:

The quickest way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your 

home for two days to 90 days, depending on the device. “Charcoal canisters,” “alpha 

track,” “electret ion chamber,” “continuous monitors,” and “charcoal liquid 

scintillation” detectors are most commonly used for short-term testing. Because 

radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is 

less likely than a long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you 

need results quickly, however, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test 

may be used to decide whether to fix your home (see also page 7 under Home Sales).

LONG-TERM TESTING:

Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. “Alpha track” and 

“electret” detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will 

give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home’s year-round average radon 

level than a short-term test.

How To Use a Test Kit:

Follow the instructions that come with your test kit. If you are doing a 

short-term test, close your windows and outside doors and keep them 

closed as much as possible during the test. Heating and air conditioning 

system fans that re-circulate air may be operated. Do not operate fans 

or other machines which bring in air from outside. Fans that are part of 

a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating only for short 

periods of time may run during the test. If you are doing a short-term test 

lasting just 2 or 3 days, be sure to close your windows and outside doors at 

least 12 hours before beginning the test, too. You should not conduct 

Testing is easy

and should only

take a few

minutes of

your time.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 5
6

short-term tests lasting just 2 or 3 days during unusually severe storms or periods of 

unusually high winds. The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the 

home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor). It 

should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den, or 

bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom. Place the kit at least 20 inches above 

the floor in a location where it won’t be disturbed—away from drafts, high heat, high 

humidity, and exterior walls. Leave the kit in place for as long as the package says. Once 

you’ve finished the test, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package 

right away for analysis. You should receive your test results within a few weeks.

EPA Recommends the Following Testing Steps:

Step 1. Take a short-term test. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a followup test (Step 2) to be sure.

Step 2. Follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test:

	 	 	 •	For a better understanding of your year-round average

 radon level, take a long-term test.

	 	 	 •	If you need results quickly, take a second short-term test.

The higher your initial short-term test result, the more certain you can 

be that you should take a short-term rather than a long-term follow up 

test. If your first short-term test result is more than twice EPA’s 4 pCi/L 

action level, you should take a second short-term test immediately.

Step 3.	 •	If you followed up with a long-term test: Fix your home if your longterm test result is 4 pCi/L or more.

	 •	If you followed up with a second short-term test: The higher your 		

short-term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix 

your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and 

second test is 4 pCi/L or higher (see also page 7 under Home Sales).

 

HOW TO TEST YOUR HOME continued

6 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
7

WHAT YOUR TEST RESULTS MEAN

The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and 

about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. The U.S. 

Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more 

than outdoor levels. While this goal is not yet technologically achievable 

in all cases, most homes today can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below.

Sometimes short-term tests are less definitive about whether or not 

your home is above 4 pCi/L. This can happen when your results are close 

to 4 pCi/L. For example, if the average of your two short-term test results 

is 4.1 pCi/L, there is about a 50% chance that your year-round average is 

somewhat below 4 pCi/L. However, EPA believes that any radon exposure 

carries some risk—no level of radon is safe. Even radon levels below 4 pCi/L 

pose some risk, and you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by lowering 

your radon level.

If your living patterns change and you begin occupying a lower level of 

your home (such as a basement) you should retest your home on that level.

Even if your test result is below 4 pCi/L, you may want to test again 

sometime in the future.

Test your home 

now and save 

your results. If 

you find high 

radon levels, fix 

your home before 

you decide to 

sell it.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

RADON AND HOME SALES

More and more, home buyers and renters are asking about radon levels before they buy or rent a home. 

Because real estate sales happen quickly, there is often little time to deal with radon and other issues. The 

best thing to do is to test for radon NOW and save the results in case the buyer is interested in them. Fix a 

problem if it exists so it won’t complicate your home sale. If you are planning to move, call your state radon 

office (see back page) for EPA’s pamphlet “Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon,” which addresses some 

common questions (www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/realestate.html). You can also use the results of two short-term 

tests done side-by-side (four inches apart) to decide whether to fix your home.

During home sales:

•	Buyers often ask if a home has been tested, and if elevated levels were reduced.

•	Buyers frequently want tests made by someone who is not involved in the home sale. Your state radon

office (see back cover) can assist you in identifying a qualified tester.

•	Buyers might want to know the radon levels in areas of the home (like a basement they plan to finish) that

the seller might not otherwise test.

Today many homes are built to help prevent radon from coming in. Building codes in your state or local area 

may require these radon-resistant construction features. If you are buying or renting a new home, ask the 

owner or builder if it has radon-resistant features. The EPA recommends building new homes with radonresistant features in high radon potential (Zone 1) areas. Even if built radon-resistant, every new home should 

be tested for radon after occupancy. If you have a test result of 4 pCi/L or more, you can have a qualified 

mitigator easily add a vent fan to an existing passive system for about $300 and further reduce the radon level 

in your home. For more information, refer to the EPA’s Map of Radon Zones and other useful EPA documents 

on radon-resistant new construction (see publications on page 15), or visit www.epa.gov/radon.

A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 7
8

RADON IN WATER

There are two main sources for 

the radon in your home’s indoor 

air, the soil and the water supply. 

Compared to radon entering 

the home through water, radon 

entering your home through the 

soil is usually a much larger risk.

The radon in your water supply 

poses an inhalation risk and an 

ingestion risk. Research has shown 

that your risk of lung cancer from 

breathing radon in air is much 

larger than your risk of stomach 

cancer from swallowing water with 

radon in it. Most of your risk from 

radon in water comes from radon 

If you’ve tested

the air in your

home and found

a radon problem,

and your water

comes from a

well, have your

water tested.

released into the air when water is used for showering and other household 

purposes.

Radon in your home’s water is not usually a problem when its source 

is surface water. A radon in water problem is more likely when its source 

is ground water, e.g., a private well or a public water supply system that 

uses ground water. If you are concerned that radon may be entering your 

home through the water and your water comes from a public water supply, 

contact your water supplier. 

If you’ve tested your private well and have a radon in water problem, it 

can be fixed. Your home’s water supply can be treated in two ways. Pointof-entry treatment can effectively remove radon from the water before it 

enters your home. Point-of-use treatment devices remove radon from your 

water at the tap, but only treat a small portion of the water you use and are 

not effective in reducing the risk from breathing radon released into the air 

from all water used in the home. 

For more information, call EPA’s 

Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 

or visit www.epa.gov/

safewater/radon.html. If 

your water comes from 

a private well, you can 

also contact your 

state radon office.

8 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
9

RADON AND HOME 

RENOVATIONS

If you are planning 

any major structural 

renovation, such as 

converting an unfinished basement area 

into living space, it is 

especially important to 

test the area for radon 

before you begin the 

renovation. If your 

test results indicate a 

radon problem, radonresistant techniques 

can be inexpensively 

included as part of the 

renovation. Because 

major renovations can 

change the level of 

radon in any home, 

always test again after 

work is completed.

HOW TO LOWER THE RADON LEVEL IN YOUR HOME

Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some 

risk. But the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your 

home.

There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but 

the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon 

from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known 

as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes 

to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this 

kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Similar systems can also 

be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors can use other 

methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on 

the design of your home and other factors.

Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA’s Consumer’s 

Guide to Radon Reduction. You can get a copy from your state radon office, 

or view it online at www.epa.gov/radon/pubs.

The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home 

was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed 

for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The cost to fix 

can vary widely; consult with your state radon office or get one or more 

estimates from qualified mitigators. The cost is much less if a passive 

system was installed during construction.

A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 9
10

Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special 

skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A 

qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help 

you pick the right treatment method.

Check with your state radon office for names of qualified or state 

certified radon contractors in your area. You can also contact private radon 

proficiency programs for lists of privately certified radon professionals in 

your area. For more information on private radon proficiency programs, 

visit www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html. Picking someone to fix your radon 

problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home repairs—you 

may want to get references and more than one estimate.

If you are considering fixing your home’s radon problem yourself, you should 

first contact your state radon office for guidance and assistance (www.epa.gov/iaq/

whereyoulive.html).

You should also test your home again after it is fixed to be sure that 

radon levels have been reduced. Most soil suction radon reduction systems 

include a monitor that 

will indicate whether 

the system is operating 

properly. In addition, 

it’s a good idea to retest 

your home every two 

years to be sure radon 

levels remain low.

Most homes can

be fixed for

about the same

cost as other

common home

repairs.

Note: This diagram is a composite view of several mitigation options. 

The typical mitigation system usually has only one pipe penetration 

through the basement floor; the pipe may also be installed on the outside 

of the house.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

HOW TO LOWER THE RADON LEVEL IN YOUR HOME continued

10 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
11

THE RISK OF LIVING WITH RADON

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. Not everyone 

exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. And the 

amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be 

many years.

Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about 

the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about 

radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This 

is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in 

humans (underground miners). 

Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. 

Stop smoking and lower your radon level to reduce your lung cancer 

risk.

Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults of 

certain types of cancer from radiation, but there are currently no 

conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults 

from radon.

Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:

•	 How much radon is in your home

•	 The amount of time you spend in

your home

•	 Whether you are a smoker or have

ever smoked

Scientists are 

more certain 

about radon risks 

than risks from 

most other 

cancer-causing 

substances.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 11
12

RADON RISK IF YOU SMOKE

RADON RISK IF YOU’VE NEVER SMOKED

Radon

Level

20 pCi/L

10 pCi/L

8 pCi/L

4 pCi/L

2 pCi/L

1.3 pCi/L

0.4 pCi/L

If 1,000 people who 

smoked were exposed 

to this level over a 

lifetime*. . .

About 260 people 

could get lung cancer

About 150 people 

could get lung cancer

About 120 people 

could get lung cancer

About 62 people 

could get lung cancer

About 32 people 

could get lung cancer

About 20 people 

could get lung cancer

The risk of cancer from 

radon exposure compares to**. . .

250 times the risk 

 of drowning

200 times the risk of

 dying in a home fire

30 times the risk of

 dying in a fall

5 times the risk of dying 

 in a car crash

6 times the risk of dying 

 from poison

(Average indoor radon level)

(Average outdoor radon level)

WHAT TO DO:

Stop Smoking and. . .

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Consider fixing

between 2 and 4 pCi/L

(Reducing 

radon levels 

below 

2 pCi/L is 

difficult)

Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.

It’s never too 

late to reduce 

your risk of lung 

cancer. Don’t 

wait to test and 

fix a radon 

problem. If you 

are a smoker, 

stop smoking.

Radon

Level

20 pCi/L

10 pCi/L

8 pCi/L

4 pCi/L

2 pCi/L

1.3 pCi/L

0.4 pCi/L

If 1,000 people who 

never smoked were exposed to this level 

over a lifetime*. . .

About 36 people 

could get lung cancer

About 18 people 

could get lung cancer

About 15 people 

could get lung cancer

About 7 people 

could get lung cancer

About 4 people 

could get lung cancer

About 2 people 

could get lung cancer 

The risk of cancer from 

radon exposure compares to**. . .

35 times the risk

of drowning

20 times the risk of dying 

in a home fire

4 times the risk of 

dying in a fall

The risk of dying in a

car crash

The risk of dying

 from poison

(Average indoor radon level)

(Average outdoor radon level)

WHAT TO DO:

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Consider fixing

between 2 and 4 pCi/L

(Reducing 

radon levels 

below 

2 pCi/L is 

difficult)

Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher. 

*Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).

**Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

THE RISK OF LIVING WITH RADON continued

12 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
13

MYTH: Scientists 

aren’t sure radon 

really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of 

 deaths due to radon, all major health organizations (like the 

 Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association 

 and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates 

 that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer 

 deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, 

 since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non- 

 smokers.

MYTH: Radon testing is 

difficult, time 

consuming and 

expensive.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or 

	 	 hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes

 only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Radon test kits are 

not reliable and are 

difficult to find.

FACT:	 Reliable test kits are available from qualified radon testers

 and companies. Reliable testing devices are also available 

 by phone or mail-order, and can be purchased in hardware 

 stores and other retail outlets. Call your state radon office 

 (see back cover or visit www.epa.gov/radon) for help in 

 identifying radon testing companies.

MYTH: Homes with 

radon problems 

can’t be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. 

 Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed 

 radon problems in their homes. Most homes can be fixed 

 for about the same cost as other common home repairs; 

	 	 check with one or more qualified mitigators. Call your 	 	

 state radon office (see back cover) for help in identifying 

	 	 qualified mitigation contractors.

MYTH: Radon only affects 

certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affect radon levels. However, radon 

 can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new 

 homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with 

 basements, homes without basements. Local geology, 

 construction materials, and how the home was built are 

 among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

RADON MYTHS and facts

A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 13
14

MYTH: Radon is only a 

problem in certain 

parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon 

problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to 

know your radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor’s 

test result is a good 

indication of whether your 

home has a problem.

FACT: It’s not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. 

 The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is 

 to test it.

MYTH: Everyone 

should test their 

water for radon.

FACT: Although radon gets into some homes through water, it is 

important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your 

water comes from a public water system that uses ground 

water, call your water supplier. If high radon levels are 

found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking 

Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on testing 

your water. 

MYTH: It’s difficult to 

sell homes where radon 

problems have been 

discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have 

not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is 

sometimes a good selling point.

MYTH: I’ve lived in my 

home for so long, it 

doesn’t make sense 

to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce 

radon levels, even if you’ve lived with a radon problem for a 

long time.

MYTH: Short-term tests 

can’t be used for 

making a decision 

about whether to fix 

your home.

FACT: A short-term test followed by a second short-term test* can 

be used to decide whether to fix your home. However, the 

closer the average of your two short-term tests is to 4 pCi/L, 

the less certain you can be about whether your year-round 

average is above or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk. Radon levels 

can be reduced in most homes to 2 pCi/L or below.

*If the radon test is part of a real estate transaction, the result of two short-term 

tests can be used in deciding whether to mitigate. For more information, see EPA’s 

“Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon.”

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009

RADON MYTHS and facts continued

14 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
15

For further information

www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html

Check the above Web site for a listing 

of your EPA regional office.

EPA Regional Offices

1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236)*

Purchase radon test kits by phone.

1-800-55RADON (557-2366)*

Get live help for your radon questions.

1-800-644-6999*

Radon Fix-It Hotline. For general information 

on fixing or reducing the radon level in your 

home. 

1-866-528-3187*

Línea Directa de Información sobre Radón en 

Español. Hay operadores disponibles desde 

las 9:00 AM hasta las 5:00 PM para darle 

información sobre radón y como ordenar 

un kit para hacer la prueba de radón en su 

hogar. 

1-800-426-4791

Safe Drinking Water Hotline. For general 

information on drinking water, radon in 

water, testing and treatment, and standards 

for radon in drinking water. Operated under a 

contract with EPA.

*Operated by the National Safety Council in 

partnership with EPA.

Radon Hotlines

EPA Radon Web Site

www.epa.gov/radon

EPA’s radon page includes links 

to publications, hotlines, private 

proficiency programs and more. 

Frequent Questions:

http://iaq.custhelp.com Ordering Radon 

Publications

Many EPA radon publications are 

available from www.epa.gov/radon/

pubs

Radon publications may be ordered 

through the National Service Center 

for Environmental Publications 

(NSCEP) by calling 1-800-490-9198, 

by visiting the NSCEP website at 

www.epa.gov/ncepihom, or by e-mail 

at nscep@bps-lmit.com

U.S. EPA 402-K-09-001, January 2009 A Citizen’s Guide To Radon l The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon 15
16

Call your state radon office for additional help with any of your radon questions. Up-to-date information on how to contact your state radon office is also available on EPA’s Web site at

www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html, or call EPA’s toll free Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO) at (800) 438-4318 to obtain the current listing.

State Radon Offices (www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html)

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland (EPA Region 3)

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Local-Toll

334-206-5391

907-474-7201

602-255-4845

501-661-2301

916-449-5674

303-692-3420

860-509-7367

302-739-4731

202-535-2999

850-245-4288

404-651-5120

808-586-4700

208-332-7319

217-782-1325

317-233-7147

515-281-4928

785-296-1560

502-564-4856

225-925-7042

207-287-5676

215-814-2086

413-586-7525

517-335-8037

651-215-0909

601-987-6893

573-751-6160

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

New Mexico 

New York 

North Carolina 

North Dakota 

Ohio 

Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

Puerto Rico 

Rhode Island 

South Carolina 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming

Local-Toll

406-841-5280

402-471-0594

775-687-7531

603-271-4674

609-984-5425

505-827-1093

518-402-7556

919-571-4141

701-328-5188

614-644-2727

405-702-5165

503-731-4014 x664

717-783-3594

787-274-7815

401-222-2438

803-898-3893

605-773-3151

615-687-7000

512-834-6688

801-536-4250

802-865-7730

804-786-5932

360-236-3253

304-558-6772

608-267-4795

307-777-6015

Toll-Free

800-582-1866

800-478-8324

800-482-5400

800-745-7326

800-846-3986

800-464-4357

800-543-8279

800-745-0037

800-445-8647

800-325-1245

800-272-9723

800-383-5992

800-693-5343

800-256-2494

800-232-0842

800-RADON95

800-723-6642

800-798-9050

800-626-7739

866-628-9891

Toll-Free

800-546-0483

800-334-9491

888-723-6610

800-852-3345 x4674

800-648-0394

800-458-1158 x27556

800-252-6325

800-523-4439

800-23RADON

800-768-0362

800-438-3367

800-232-1139

800-572-5548

800-458-0145

800-439-8550

800-468-0138

800-922-1255

888-569-7236

800-458-5847

U.S. EPA Assessment of Risks 

from Radon in Homes

In June 2003, the EPA revised its risk estimates for radon 

exposure in homes. EPA estimates that about 21,000 annual 

lung cancer deaths are radon related. EPA also concluded 

that the effects of radon and cigarette smoking are synergistic, 

so that smokers are at higher risk from radon. EPA’s revised 

estimates are based on the National Academy of Sciences 

1998 BEIR VI (Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation) Report 

which concluded that radon is the second leading cause of lung 

cancer after smoking.

Tribal Radon Program Offices

Hopi Tribe (Arizona)

Inter-Tribal Council of America

Navajo Nation

928-734-3100

602-307-1509

928-871-7863

Surgeon General 

Health Advisory

“Indoor radon is the secondleading cause of lung cancer in the 

United States and breathing it over 

prolonged periods can present a 

significant health risk to families all 

over the country. It’s important to 

know that this threat is completely 

preventable. Radon can be detected 

with a simple test and fixed through 

well-established venting techniques.”

January 2005

Indoor Environments Division (6609J)

EPA 402/K-09/001 | January 2009 | www.epa.gov/radon

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)