Stop and be safe

Home Safety

Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Home Safety > Poison Safety > Safety Proofing > In Case of Emergency > Outdoor Safety > Home Safety Checklist

Safe Design and Architecture > Gas Leaks > Carbon Monoxide > Radon

Prevention: Radon

With the exception of smoking, it is widely believed that radon causes more lung cancer than anything else in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household exposure to radon causes up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the earth and rock beneath your home, well-water, and building materials. Like carbon monoxide, radon is an odorless gas that's hard to detect.

Also like carbon monoxide, the easiest way to protect you and your household from radon is to buy a detector to measure the levels of radon in your home.

Both short-term and long-term detection devices are available. For more information about where to get radon detection devices, what the radon levels are in your area of the country, and how to contact your local Radon or Environmental Health Agency, visit the Radon section of the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.

Next: Preventing Poison