EPA402/K-12/002|2016|www.epa.gov/radon

A Citizen’s Guide

 to Radon

The Guide to Protecting

 Yourself and Your Family from

Radon

IndoorAirQuality(IAQ)
2 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

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 is

estimated

tocause

thousands of

lung cancer

deaths in the

U.S. each year.

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

risk, and in many cases may be reduced.

30,000

deaths

per year

10,000

21,000

17,400

8,000

3,900 2,800

RADON* Drunk

Driving

Falls in

the Home

Drownings Home

Fires

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

to EPA’s 2003Assessment 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.
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON 3

OVERVIEW

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 overthe 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.

Youshouldtestforradon.

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).

Youcan 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).
4 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO YOUR HOME?

Anyhomemay

have a radon

problem.

RADONGETSINTHROUGH:

1. Cracksinsolidfloors.

2. Construction joints.

3. Cracks in walls.

4. Gaps in

suspended floors.

5. Gaps around 

service pipes.

6. Cavities insidewalls.

7. The water supply.

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

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 (https://www.epa.gov/radon/findinformation-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information) 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 (www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html) about radon problems

in schools, daycare and childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area (also

visit https://www.epa.gov/radon).
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM 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 https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-ormeasurement-and-mitigation-professional.

ThereareTwoGeneralWaystoTestforRadon:

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.

HowToUseaTestKit:

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

Testingiseasy

and should only

take a few

minutes of

yourtime.
6

HOW TO TEST YOUR HOME continued

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-termtest. If yourresultis 4pCi/Lorhigher,takea followuptest(Step2)tobesure.

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

actionlevel,youshouldtakeasecondshort-termtestimmediately.

Step 3. • If you followed up with a long-term test: Fix your home if your longtermtestresultis4pCi/Lormore.

• 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).

6 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM 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 

sellit.

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

bestthingto dois to testforradonNOWand save the results incase the buyeris interestedinthem. Fixa

problem if it exists so it won’t complicate your home sale. If you are planning to move, review EPA’s pamphlet

“Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon,” which addresses some common questions

(https://www.epa.gov/radon/home-buyers-and-sellers-guide-radon). Youcan 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 https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contactinformation) 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 EPArecommends 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, consult a qualified mitigator

(http://www. epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional#who) to estimate the

cost of upgrading to an active system by adding a vent fan to reduce the radon level. In an existing home, the

cost to install a radon mitigation system is about the same as for other common home repairs.
8

comes from a

well, have your

water tested.

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

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 PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

RADON IN WATER

If you’ve tested

theairinyour

homeandfound

a radon problem,

and your 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

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
9

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

RADON AND HOME

RENOVATIONS

If youareplanning

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

testresults indicate a

radon problem, radonresistant techniques

can be inexpensively

included as part of the

renovation. Because

major renovations can

change thelevel of

radoninany home,

always testagainafter

work is completed.

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 at –about-radon 

https://www.epa.gov/radon/publications-about-radon.

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 PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON 9
10 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

HOW TO LOWER THE RADON LEVEL IN YOUR HOME continued

Most homes can

be fixed for

aboutthe same

cost as other

common home

repairs.

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 https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-andmitigation-professional. 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 https://www.epa.gov

/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information).

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

adon 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.

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 

ohe house.
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM 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.

Yourchancesofgettinglungcancerfromradondependmostlyon:

• 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

morecertain

aboutradon risks

than risks from

most other

cancer-causing

substances.
12 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

THERISKOFLIVINGWITH RADONcontinued

RADON RISK IF YOU SMOKE

It’s never too

late to reduce

your risk of lung

cancer. Don’t

waitto test and

fixaradon

problem. If you

are a smoker,

stop smoking.

Note:If you are a former smoker,yourrisk may belower.

RADON RISK IF YOU’VE NEVER SMOKED

Note:If youare aformersmoker,yourrisk maybe higher.

*Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPAAssessment 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.

Radon

Level

If 1,000 people who

smoked were exposed

to this level over a

lifetime*...

Theriskofcancerfrom

radonexposurecomparesto**.. .

WHAT TO DO:

StopSmokingand...

20 pCi/L

10 pCi/L

8 pCi/L

4 pCi/L

2 pCi/L

1.3 pCi/L

0.4 pCi/L

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

250 times the risk

of drowning

200 times the risk of

dyingina home fire

30timestheriskof

dyinginafall

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)

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Consider fixing

between 2 and 4 pCi/L

(Reducing

radon levels

below

2pCi/L is

difficult)

Radon

Level

If 1,000 people who

neversmokedwereexposedtothislevel

overalifetime*. ..

Theriskofcancerfrom

radonexposurecomparesto**. ..

WHAT TO DO:

20 pCi/L

10 pCi/L

8 pCi/L

4 pCi/L

2 pCi/L

1.3 pCi/L

0.4 pCi/L

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

35 times the risk

of drowning

20 times the risk of dying

in a home fire

4timestheriskof

dyinginafall

The risk of dying in a

car crash

Theriskofdying

from poison

(Average indoor radon level)

(Average outdoor radon level)

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Fix your home

Consider fixing

between 2 and 4pCi/L

(Reducing

radon levels

below

2pCi/Lis

difficult)
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON 13

RADON MYTHS AND FACTS

MYTH: Scientists

aren’t sure radon

reallyisaproblem.

FACT: Although some scientistsdispute the precisenumber 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

thatradon 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

consumingand

expensive.

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

hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes

onlyasmallamountoftimeandeffort.

MYTH: Homes with

radon problems

can’tbefixed.

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

Hundredsofthousandsofhomeownershave alreadyfixed

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 (www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.

html) for help in identifying qualified mitigation contractors.

MYTH: Radon only affects

certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affectradon levels. However,radon

canbeaprobleminhomesofalltypes: oldhomes,new

homes,drafty homes,insulated homes,homes with

basements,homeswithoutbasements. Localgeology,

construction materials, and how the home was built are

among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a

problem in certain

partsofthecountry.

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

problemsdovaryfromareatoarea,buttheonlywayto

knowyourradonlevelistotest.

MYTH: A neighbor’s

testresultis agood

indication of whether your

home has a problem.

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

Theonlywaytoknowifyourhomehasaradonproblemis

to test it.
14 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON

RADON MYTHS AND FACTS continued

MYTH: Everyone

should test their 

water for radon.

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

importanttofirsttestthe airinthehome forradon. If your

water comes from a public water system that uses ground

water,callyourwatersupplier. Ifhighradonlevelsare

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’sdifficultto

sell homes where radon

problems have been

discovered.

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

not been blocked orfrustrated. The added protection is

sometimes a good selling point.

MYTH: I’velivedinmy

homefor solong,it

doesn’t make sense

totakeactionnow.

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’tbeusedfor

making a decision

aboutwhethertofix

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

closertheaverageofyourtwoshort-termtestsisto4pCi/L,

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

averageisaboveorbelowthatlevel. Keepinmindthatradon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk. Radon levels

canbereducedinmosthomesto2pCi/Lorbelow.

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

tests can be used in deciding whetherto mitigate. For more information, seeEPA’s

“Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon.”
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon l THE GUIDE TO PROTECTINGYOURSELFANDYOUR FAMILYFROM RADON 15

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

EPA Radon Website

https://www.epa.gov/radon

EPA’s radon page includes links to

publications, hotlines, private proficiency 

programs and more.

Frequent Questions:

https://iaq.zendesk.com/hc/enus/sections/202349927

EPA Regional Offices

https://www.epa.gov/radon/findinformation-about-local-radon-zones-andstate-contact-information. Check the

above website for alisting of your EPA

regional office.

Radon Hotlines

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

Purchase radon test kits by phone.

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

Getlive helpfor yourradonquestions.

1-800-644-6999*

Radon Fix-It Hotline. For general

information on fi 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,radonin

water, testing and treatment, and

standards forradon in drinking water.

Operated under a contract with EPA.

*Operated by Kansas State University in partnership

with EPA.

Ordering Radon 

Publications

Many EPA radon publications are 

available from https://www.epa.gov 

/radon/ publications-about-radon

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

https://www.epa.gov/nscep or by

email at nscep@lmsolas.com.
16

Indoor Environments Division (6609J)

EP 402/K-12/002 | May 2012 | www.epa.gov/radon

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.

Surgeon General Health Advisory

“Indoor radon is the second-leading 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

IndoorAirQuality(IAQ)