Radon: Health Risks and Public Safety

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a known human carcinogen. Extensive scientific research, including human epidemiological studies, has established a clear link between radon exposure and an increased risk of lung cancer. This risk has been recognized by leading scientific and public health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Academy of Sciences, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).

In the United States, numerous public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association, recognize radon exposure as a significant public health concern.

In 1988, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory emphasizing the importance of radon awareness, testing, and mitigation. The advisory underscored the following key points:

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• Indoor radon exposure poses a significant public health risk.

• Radon exposure contributes to thousands of deaths annually.

• Millions of homes may contain elevated radon levels.

• Homeowners should test their homes for radon.

• When elevated levels are confirmed, appropriate corrective measures should be taken.

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Radon testing is an important step in protecting the health and safety of your household. Because radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only reliable way to determine whether elevated levels are present in a home.