Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. Naturally existing, low levels of uranium occur widely in Earth's crust. It can be found in all 50 states. Unless you test for it, there is no way of telling how much is present.

Resources

Links

Documents

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has numerous publications covering various aspects of radon and indoor air quality. For a list of these publications, please visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html"

  • A Guide to Radon (NSC 1996 72 pages)
  • Geology of Radon (USDI 1993 28 pages)
  • Protecting Yourself & Your Family From RADON (ALA 1993 brochure)
  • Radon Fact Sheet (NSC 1996 3 pages)
  • Safe at Home—What to Do about Lead, Radon, Asbestos and Other Worries (Consumer Reports 1995 12 pages)

Radon Proficiency

The EPA stopped operating its National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) on October 1, 1998. That program was designed to test radon contractors and provide a measure of quality control. The RPP is now privately run. See the EPA's Web site regarding the RPP for information on how to identify qualified contractors.
Many states certify or license radon contractors. Call your state radon office for information about qualified service providers in your state.
If you plan to fix the problem in your home yourself, you should first contact your state radon office for EPA's technical guide, "Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses."

Outreach

  • Camera-ready radon test kit coupons for short-term kits and Radon PowerPoint presentations are available to governments, companies, or organizations wishing to conduct radon outreach.
  • Call the National Radon Helpline for more information at (800)557-2366 or email radon@ksu.edu.
  • State Radon Contacts—Names and phone and fax numbers of all state radon offices.

Studies and Surveys

  • Canadian Residential Radon Case-Control Study (1994 1 page)
  • CRCPD Radon Risk Communication & Results Study Summary (1994 20 pages)
  • Indoor Radon Exposure and Risk of Lung Cancer: a Nested Case-Control Study in Finland (1996 7 pages)
  • Residential Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer in Sweden (1994 10 pages)
  • Missouri Miners Study Summary (1995 5 pages)
  • Tests of the Linear No Threshold Theory of Radiation Carcinogenesis for Inhaled Radon Decay Products (1995 15 pages)