Tribal-FERST Issue Profile: Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. The gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and is estimated to cause 21,000 deaths in the United States each year from lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., second only to smoking.

Radon gas comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. The gas can be found all over the U.S., and can get into any type of building.

Testing a building’s air is the only way to know whether that building is a radon risk. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend testing all homes and schools for radon. Radon reduction systems work well and are relatively inexpensive.

Visit the links below to learn more about radon, and how to reduce your risk of exposure.