The purpose of NRAW week is to draw attention to radon as a serious public health issue and, more important, to motivate Americans to take action to protect themselves from radon health effects. In fact, NRAW week is the kickoff for an entire year designed to increase awareness of radon s serious health effects, encourage Americans to take action on radon in their homes, and ultimately reduce health risks. Radon is a silent killer. An odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, it causes nearly 15,000 lung cancer deaths a year more than any other health hazard except smoking. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.
All rocks contain some uranium, although most contain just a small amount.
Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The public and especially those with disabilities need to be educated about the dangers of radon. Radon enters homes most commonly though cracks in foundations, openings around sump pumps and drains, construction joints, and cracks in walls. Radon in most concentrated in the lowest level of the home. Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses.