It has been estimated that over 20,000 deaths each year have been tied to radon gas exposure. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas and based on studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) we know that there is a much greater risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to this gas. Sadly, most of the exposure to radon occurs in the home where we spend a great deal of our time. Consider the following:

• Research has indicated that radon is the 2nd leading cause of Lung Cancer behind smoking
• The EPA's action level recommendation for the US is a radon level of 4 pCi/l
• A family whose home has radon levels of 4 pCi/L is exposed to approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission allows if they were standing next to the fence of a radioactive waste site.
• Approximately 50% of the people diagnosed with Lung Cancer have never smoked or are former smokers.
• Lung Cancer kills more Americans each year than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined.

Due to these facts, the EPA has launched an extensive campaign to heighten the awareness of radon to the American public. Still, very few research dollars are available for lung cancer research and prevention due to the perception that it is a "self-inflcted" cancer caused by smoking.

There are many factors that come into play concerning the levels of radon present in a home. However, there are no specific guidelines that serve as an accurate measurement of radon. This is why the EPA has recommended that all homes should be tested for the presence of radon.

In cases where the radon levels are high, the installation of a radon mitigation system by a certified mitigation specialist will decrease the levels of radon in the home to safe levels. Installation of a radon mitigation system can also play an important role in diminishing the effects of other hazardous chemicals that may be accumulating in the home. Therefore the mitigation system becomes a vital part of a holistic indoor air quality program.

The goal of the radon mitigation system is to bring the radon levels below the level of 4 pico-Curies per liter of air (pCi/L). Homes that test at a level above 4 pCi/L should have a radon mitigation system installed. It is possible to attain levels of 2 pCi/L and below when proper procedures are followed during installation of the mitigation system.

For more information about how to test or fix your home, contact National Radon Defense today!