Having experience with radiation monitoring, he became licensed to both test for radon and mitigate when elevated levels are found. Radon is a radioactive gas developing from the decay of radium. It can exist in high concentrations in soils and rock containing uranium, granite, shale, phosphate and pitchblende. When released into the atmosphere, the volume of radon mixes with other elements in the atmosphere and renders the concentration harmless. However, radon can become trapped in homes and expose lungs to radiation when the radon particles decay, Wolfe said.
Radon is tasteless, odorless and colorless.
Its only known health effect is lung cancer. Wolfe said he has found radon levels in the area at nearly nine times the level at which EPA recommends treatment. He has had several homes with levels at five times the acceptable level, and others where levels are far lower. The risk of cancer from radon is a matter of time and exposure. The risk increases for smokers, he said.