U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.  It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable.  Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."  January 2005

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, oderless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is found in homes all over the United States.  It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe.  Radon typically moves up through the ground into your home through cracks or other holes in basements, crawlspaces or slabs. 

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CBSNews Video on RADON

Second CBS2Chicago News story

Third CBS2Chicago News story

What does Radon do?

It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and has also been linked to Alshimers and Parkensen's dease.  Smokers, former smokers and second hand smokers are at increased risk.

What are the chances of dying from lung cancer caused by radon?

Radon exposure significantly increases your risk of dying from lung cancer, but just as not everyone who smokes will get lung cancer, not everyone exposed to high levels of radon will get lung cancer.

What about children...are they at increased risk?

Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radiation, but there is currently no conclusive data on whether children are a greater risk than adults from radon.Minimizing radon exposure should start as early as possible.

Is Radon in my area?

37% of the homes in the Chicagoland area have been found to have elevated levels of radon gas, above 4.0 pCi/L, which is the action level for mitigation in the home.  Click here to view the Chicgoland radon levels we have found.