Radon is a naturally occurring, it is a gas that is released from the decay of radium which is in the environment. Radon is the second leading cause of cancer after smoking. What causes Cancer is, as Radon decays it produces little solid particles. These particles are just the prcise size that can be easily inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Once they are deposited they can initiate the cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are caused by Radon. radon causes lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers alike. Radon can be found all over the US- in buildings, homes, schools and offices. A Harvard University report ranked Radon #1 in a list of home hazards.
Radon gets in homes because the air pressure inside a building is usually lower than pressure in the soil surrounding it. This difference causes the building to act like a vacuum drawing Radon in through foundation cracks and other openings. The greatest exposure risk to radon is at home, mostly because this is where people spend most of their time. The Surgeon General recommends all homes be tested for Radon. Testing ones home is easy and Radon problems can be fixed. If Radon tests show four or more Picocuries of air, simple, effective and non-expensive action should be taken to reduce the level of Radon.