It's radon gas that seeps out of soil and rocks and into our homes through cracks, holes, drains, joints or any other opening in the foundation or basement. You won't notice it. You can't see it or smell it. Numerous studies conducted on miners showed that radon is a carcinogen. In other words, it can cause cancer.
Radon occurs when traces of uranium in Tennessee's rocks radioactively decays.
We don't know how many people actually suffer ill effects from radon. But the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association agree it's a health risk. Smokers are believed to be at the greatest risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to radon. That's because smoking has reduced the protective mucus lining in their lungs. Scientists estimate those who smoke have a 10-20 times greater risk of lung cancer from radon exposure.