Radon Gas Arkansas Department of Health

Radon Gas

What is Radon?

Neighborhood of houses with text "Radon can give you lung cancer" Radon is a radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It occurs in nature and is one environmental hazard that is not man-caused. Radon comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium, which can be found in nearly all soils and rocks. Because radon is a gas, it moves through the ground and seeps into a home through cracks and/or other openings in the floor and foundation.

In outdoor air, radon is diluted to such low concentrations that it is usually nothing to worry about. However, once inside an enclosed space (such as a home) radon can accumulate. Indoor levels depend on many factors including how the building is constructed, the severity of the stack effect created by indoor-outdoor temperatures differences, and the concentration of radon in the underlying soil, among others. The amount of radon in the air is normally measured in “picocuries per liter of air” or “pCi/L.”

Why do we care about Radon?

Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in all individuals. Radon is estimated to cause over 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year nationwide – more than drunk driving, falls in the home, drownings, or home fires. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. The lifetime lung cancer mortality risk for radon in indoor air at 4 pCi/L (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level) is 7 in 1,000 for those who have never smoked and 62 in 1,000 for smokers. Mortality risk for lung cancer increases with higher concentrations of radon gas and increased length of exposure.

What should we do about Radon?

You should test the radon level in your home regardless of where you live. You can test your own home simply and inexpensively. You could also hire a certified radon measurement professional to do the testing.

Homes with radon levels at 4 pCi/L or higher should be mitigated. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and in many cases may be reduced. The U.S. EPA recommends that you also consider mitigating your home if it tests between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Resources

Videos
EPA webinar: An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes
Washington Community High School
Rock Island High School
Jackie’s Story

Training Opportunities

Our U.S. EPA Regional Radon Training Center Partner, Kansas State University, provides on-line and in-person training courses. Training information may also be found on the websites of the two national certification programs that certify professionals to perform measurement and/or mitigation of radon. The programs are the Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists – National Radon Proficiency Program and the National Radon Safety Board.

Downloads
Radon in Schools and Child Care Facilities
Radon Information Sheet
Radon Program Summary: English \| Spanish
Radon Testing Checklist
Reducing the Risk from Radon: Information and Interventions, A Guide for Health Care Providers: English \| Spanish