Study Emphasizes Home Radon Hazard

Advisory Report - August 2000

Study Emphasizes Home Radon Hazard
People exposed to radon in their homes are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer than earlier research predicted, reported a University of Iowa study.

According to the Telegraph Herald (July 10, 2000), the study indicated that even the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) minimum level of radon that requires attention--4 picocuries per liter--results in a 50 percent chance of developing lung cancer.

The EPA estimates that nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.  Since radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking, it continues to be a serious and legitimate cause for concern.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium in the soil.  Learn more about the risks of radon exposure and testing for radon.