Radon can get into your home and cause serious health problems. But you can take steps to remove this dangerous gas that you can’t see, taste or smell.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas. When uranium breaks down in the soil, it makes radon. Then, radon can seep into a home’s foundation, causing health problems for the people who live there.

Why is radon harmful?

When you breathe in radon, its natural radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. If you smoke and breathe radon, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

How do I know if I have radon?

The only way to know if a home has radon is through a radon test. You can buy radon tests at hardware stores or online. Your local health department may sell them.

Radon tests are easy to use. Usually, you let the test stay in your basement or the lowest point in your house for a few days. When the test is complete, you mail it in. The testing company sends you the results.

If your test results say your radon level is 4pCi/L or higher, take a second test to be sure. If the average between the two tests is 4pCi/L or higher, you need to fix the problem. You can do this with radon removal, also called radon mitigation.

How do I get rid of radon?

Removing radon from a home requires special skills and tools. Choose a qualified radon mitigation contractor to fix your home.

Ask your state radon office for names. Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified or registered for your added safety.

New homes aren’t safe

No matter how old or new your home, radon can get in. It seeps in through foundation seams, joints and cracks. It can also get in through a sump pump or drain located in the basement.

If you’re buying a home, make sure the home has been tested for radon or that it has a radon mitigation system in place.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency