Radon is an odorless and toxic gas that may be present in many homes and their surrounding grounds. Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Surgeon General’s Office have reported that radon is a major cause of lung cancer. On an annual basis, they estimate that up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths are due to radon, and the Surgeon General claims that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer within the United States.

Estimates indicate that approximately one out of every 15 homes within the United States has radon levels that are at or exceed the action levels determined by the US EPA. Furthermore, almost one in three homes that were inspected in seven states and on three Native American lands exceeded the US EPA’s action levels of 4 pCi/L.

When radon levels exceed the US EPA’s action levels, reducing them can potentially reduce the number of lung cancer deaths. Scientists currently estimate that 5,000 lung cancer deaths could be avoided as a result of taking these measures.

When determining whether or not this toxic gas is present and at what levels, residential radon testing services will use either short or long-term tests. In general, the short-term detectors will measure levels for two to 90 days, and the long-term detectors will measure the average concentration for over 90 days.

In order to provide radon mitigation services, a radon gas testing service may use a combination of passive and active systems. Passive systems have been effective with reducing indoor radon levels by over 50%. However, when these systems are used in combination with active systems such as ventilation fans, radon levels have been further reduced.

Since radon is an odorless gas, many households may not be aware that it is present in or around their homes. If someone even suspects that there may be radon present in their home or neighborhood, it’s important to contact a radon gas testing service. If this gas is determined to be present, mitigation and abatement are the next steps to take.