The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge everyone to protect their health by testing the indoor air in their homes and schools for radon.
Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that claims about 21,000 lives each year. It is the leading cause of death from lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk.
EPA recommends fixing homes with 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more of radon in the air. You cannot see or smell radon. Simple, inexpensive do-it-yourself radon test kits are available, or you can hire a certified professional to perform the testing.