In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, although building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves. Radon is a Cancer-Causing, Radioactive Gas Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. 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.
Any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer.
The lower the radon level in your home, the lower your family's risk of lung cancer. If you need results quickly, take a second short-term test and average it with the first. EPA's RPP Program is designed to help assure that consumers get reliable radon measurement and mitigation services. Listed RMP Program participants must follow quality assurance and EPA measurement procedures and have demonstrated the ability to take reliable measurements with specific devices. Your state may also have additional requirements for professional radon testers.