Biological pollutants Radon Radon is a naturally occurring gas that results from the radioactive decay of the element radium in rocks, soils, and some building materials. It can enter through cracks in a building s foundation, via well water, and from radium-containing masonry. Radon sticks to particles in the air, and, when inhaled, lodges deep in the lungs. When the radon undergoes its natural process of radioactive decay, it damages the lung tissue. This can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Radon is odorless and colorless.
The only way to determine radon levels in your home is to have it tested. VOCs are found in some glues, paints, solvents, and other natural and manmade products commonly used indoors. Not all VOCs are harmful. When you smell a flower, it is the VOCs that the flower is producing that you sense. However, there is still a lot we do not know about exposure to many VOCs and the potential health effects.