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What is Radon?

Answer:
Radon is a natural chemical element (Rn,

atomic weight 86) and is formed as a noble gas from decaying Radium (Ra, atomic weight 88).

Radon gas is always being emitted all around in very low amounts, as rocks and soil decay. As a result, Radon gas may build up inside buildings or other closed spaces as it seeps through foundation walls, even concrete, if not properly sealed.

Radon is considered a signiificant health hazard, as it is known to cause lung cancer; allegedly causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.

Radon gas presence in homes has become a prime concern for home buyers, and most home inspections now include Radon tests to ensure occupant safety. Further, many homeowners now equip their homes with Radon monitor/alarm devices, some of which are similar to smoke detector units.

Some of the worst known locations for natural Radon emissions from the ground in the United States are in Iowa and in Pennsylvania, near the Appalachian Mountains. The town of Mallow, County Cork, Ireland has the highest recorded natural Radon emissions in the world.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Surgeon General recommend that all homes in America be tested for Radon gas, and, of course, if levels exceed allowable limits, mitigated as necessary by way of adequately designed and installed Radon gas protection measures.