U.S. Department

Of Health and

Human Services

United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

U.S. Public

Health Service

Indoor Air And Radiation (6609J) 402-K-02-006 Revised May 2002

A Citizen’s Guide

To Radon (Fourth Edition)

The Guide To Protecting

Yourself And Your Family

From Radon

Printed on Recycled Paper

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html
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

cancer deaths

in the U.S.

each year.

* Radon is estimated to cause between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths

per year, according to the National Academy of Sciences 1998 data. The

numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from 2001 National Safety

Council reports.

30,000

deaths

per year

10,000

Drunk

Driving

RADON* Drownings

2

Falls in Fires

the Home

1234567890 1234567890

1234567890

1 0

1234567890

1234567890

1234567890

1234567890

1 0

1234567890

15,000 -

22,000

900

3,200

9,300

12,231
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.

That’s 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.

There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren’t too costly.

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 4pCi/L. Every new home

should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant.

OVERVIEW

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,

well-sealed 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

materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

Any home may

have a radon

problem.

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.
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.” Sometimes test results are expressed in Working Levels

(WL) rather than picocuries per liter (pCi/L) (see page 6). 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 http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/

proficiency.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.
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 follow-up 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 4pCi/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 long-term 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)

* 0.02 Working Levels (WL) or higher.
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.

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 (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/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. Your state or local area may require these

radon-resistant construction features. Radon-resistant construction features usually keep radon levels in new

homes below 2 pCi/L. If you are buying or renting a new home, ask the owner or builder if it has radonresistant features. The EPA recommends building new homes with radon-resistant features in high radon

potential (Zone 1) areas. For more information, refer to the EPA’s Map of Radon Zones and other useful EPA

documents on radon-resistant new construction (see back cover), or visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon. Even

if built radon-resistant, every new home should be tested for radon after occupancy. If you have a test result

of 4pCi/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.

Test your home

now and save

your results. If

you find high

radon levels, fix

your home before

you decide to

sell it.
8

RADON IN WATER

The radon in your home’s indoor

air can come from two sources, the

soil or your 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

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.

comes from radon 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. Some public water systems treat their water to reduce

radon levels before it is delivered to your home. 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 easily fixed. Your home’s water supply can be treated in two ways.

Point-of-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 http://www.epa.gov/

safewater/radon.html. If

your water comes from

a private well, you can

also contact your

state radon office.
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.

A variety of methods are used to reduce radon in your home. In some

cases, sealing cracks in floors and walls may help to reduce radon. In

other cases, simple systems using pipes and fans may be used to reduce

radon. Such systems, known as soil suction, do not require major changes

to your home. These systems remove radon gas from below the concrete

floor and the foundation before it can enter the home. Similar systems can

also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors 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/iaq/radon/pubs/index.html.

The cost of making repairs to reduce radon 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 like painting or

having a new hot water heater installed. The average house costs about

$1,200 for a contractor to fix, although this can range from about $800 to

about $2,500. The cost is much less if a passive system was installed during

construction.
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 http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/proficiency.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.

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.
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.
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 135 people

could get lung cancer

About 71 people

could get lung cancer

About 57 people

could get lung cancer

About 29 people

could get lung cancer

About 15 people

could get lung cancer

About 9 people

could get lung cancer

About 3 people

could get lung cancer

The risk of cancer from

radon exposure compares to. . .

100 times the risk

 of drowning

100 times the risk of

 dying in a home fire

100 times the risk of dying

 in an airplane crash

2 times the risk of dying

 in a car crash

(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 8 people

could get lung cancer

About 4 people

could get lung cancer

About 3 people

could get lung cancer

About 2 people

could get lung cancer

About 1 people

could get lung cancer

Less than 1 person

could get lung

The risk of cancer from

radon exposure compares to. . .

The risk of being killed

 in a violent crime

10 times the risk of

dying in an airplane crash

The risk of drowning

The risk of dying

 in a home fire

(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. Also, based on information from the National Academy of Sciences 1998

report, The Health Effects of Exposure to Radon, your radon risk may be higher than shown, even if you have never smoked.
13

RADON

MYTHS

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 nonsmokers.

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) 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. Radon levels can be readily

lowered for about $800 to $2,500. 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.
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 some

times 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 yearround 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.
15

FOR

FURTHER

INFORMATION

I

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1995–620-596

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/regionia.html

Check the above website for a listing

of your EPA regional office.

EPA Regional Offices

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

Operated by the National Safety Council

in partnership with EPA. Order radon

test kits by phone.

1-800-55RADON (557-2366)

Operated by the National Safety Council

in partnership with EPA. For live help

with your radon questions.

1-800-725-8312

Spanish language hotline, operated by

the National Alliance for Hispanic Health

in partnership with EPA. For general

help with radon, testing, and mitigation

questions, and free test kits.

1-800-438-4318

Indoor Air Quality Information

Clearinghouse, operated by an EPA

contractor. For general radon and

indoor air quality information and

copies of EPA publications.

1-800-426-4791

Safe Drinking Water Hotline, privately

operated under contract to EPA. For

general information on drinking water,

radon in water, testing and treament,

and radon drinking water standards.

1-800-644-6999

Radon Fix-It Hotline, privately operated

by the Consumer Federation of America

Foundation (CFAF) in partnership with

EPA. For general information on how to

mitigate your home.

Hotlines

EPA Radon Website

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/

EPA’s main radon page. Includes links

to publications, hotlines, private

proficiency programs and more.

EPA Publications

Sample list of some of the

publications available through the

above sources:

Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon

Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction

Radon Guide for Tenants

Application of Radon Reduction Techniques for

Detached Houses

EPA Map of Radon Zones and Fact Sheet

Buying a New Home? How to Protect Your Family

From Radon

Building a New Home, Have You Considered

Radon?

Building Radon Out: A Step-By-Step Guide on How

To Build Radon-Resistant Homes
16

For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office

Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328

ISBN 0-16-036222-9

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 website at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/contacts.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 (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/contacts.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

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Local-Toll

406-444-6768

402-471-0594

775-687-5394 x275

603-271-4674

609-984-5425

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Toll-Free

800-582-1866

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Surgeon General

Health Advisory

“Indoor radon gas is a

national health problem.

Radon causes thousands of

deaths each year. Millions of

homes have elevated radon

levels. Homes should be tested

for radon. When elevated

levels are confirmed, the

problem should be corrected.”

National Academy of Sciences

Report on Radon

In February 1998, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)

released its report on radon and lung cancer, The Health Effects

of Exposure to Indoor Radon (the BEIR VI report). The NAS is an

independent, non-governmental, scientific organization. The

NAS estimates that radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000

lung cancer deaths each year in the United States and that

12 percent of all lung cancer deaths are linked to radon. The

BEIR VI Committee (Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation)

concluded that after smoking, radon is the second leading

cause of death due to lung cancer in the United States.