Radon

What Increases Your Risk of Radon Exposure

When uranium decays, it releases radon. Since uranium occurs naturally in soil and rocks, radon is found all over the world. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels.¹ Also, if you live or work in an area that has large deposits of uranium (to see a map of the U.S. radon zones, go to the Web site www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html), you may be more likely to be exposed to high levels of radon. But factors relating to the specific construction and location of your house may be just as likely to affect your risk of radon exposure as the source of the radon itself. Even houses right next to each other can have very different radon levels.

Radon enters a home or building through cracks in the foundation or walls, through basement floors, and in water supplies (such as private wells). If the water supply contains radon, it may enter the air in the home through faucets, showers, dishwashers, or washing machines. Radon may also enter the home through pipes, sumps, or drains.

Radon is also found in many building materials. But building materials rarely cause a radon problem all by themselves.

Radon is heavier than air, so it is often found in higher concentrations in lower levels of buildings, such as in basements and sumps. Since radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, it is wise to test your home and office for radon levels no matter where you live or work.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: January 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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