It enters your lungs and over time physically and chemically alters the lung's DNA leading to lung cancer. First, have your house tested. If your preliminary results show that your house has high radon, then you should re-test to double check the accuracy of your first test. If your house still has high radon, steps should be taken to lower the radon levels. Radon tests are not reliable and are difficult to find.
Radon affects only certain types of houses.
House construction can affect radon levels. Houses new or old, drafty or sealed, with or without basements can all have a radon problem. Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country. Levels can vary, so best bet is to test your house. A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether your house has a radon problem.