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Radon
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when accumulated in homes, poses a significant risk for lung cancer.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is invisible and has no odor or taste. It comes from the normal decay of uranium and thorium, two chemical elements found in soil, rock, and groundwater. Radon breaks down quickly, giving off radioactive particles. Over time, breathing in high levels of these particles can cause lung cancer.

How would I be exposed to radon?

While low levels of radon exist in outdoor air, it can accumulate indoors. It enters homes and buildings through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, through certain building materials, or via well water. Levels are often higher in homes that are well-insulated, tightly sealed, or built on soil rich in uranium and thorium. Basements and first floors typically have the highest concentrations.

How does radon cause lung cancer?

When inhaled, radioactive decay products from radon become trapped in the lungs, damaging the cells that line them. This process can lead to lung cancer over time. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths after cigarette smoking. The risk is significantly higher for smokers exposed to radon compared to non-smokers.

How do I know if my home has high levels of radon?

Testing is the only way to determine if radon levels are high. You should test your home under the following circumstances:

  • If it has never been tested or the levels are unknown.
  • When preparing to buy or sell a house.
  • Before and after any renovations, particularly repairs intended to reduce radon.
  • Before making lifestyle changes that increase time spent in basements or lower levels.

Testing is inexpensive and easy. It is recommended to contact a state or local radon official for advice on testing devices and to obtain a list of qualified testers. Options include:

  • Short-term kits: Measure radon for 2–90 days for quick results.
  • Long-term kits: Measure radon for over 90 days, providing a better estimate of average levels.

How can I lower the radon level in my home?

If testing reveals unsafe levels, a radon reduction system can be installed to bring levels down to a safe range. Other temporary or supplementary measures include:

  • Increasing airflow by opening windows and using fans or vents.
  • Sealing cracks in floors and walls using plaster, caulk, or specialized materials.
  • Monitoring radon levels after any repairs to ensure effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your home has high radon levels, you should consider mitigation. This typically involves installing a system that draws radon from beneath your home and vents it safely outside. Contact a qualified radon mitigation professional to assess your home and recommend the most effective solution. Retesting after mitigation is crucial to confirm success.
Testing is the only way to detect radon, as it's an invisible, odorless gas. You can purchase DIY radon test kits online or from hardware stores, or hire a qualified professional. It's recommended to test if your home has never been tested, when buying or selling, before and after major renovations, or if you plan to spend more time in lower levels of your home.
No, there are no immediate symptoms or warning signs of radon exposure. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas, which is why testing is so important. The health effects, specifically lung cancer, develop over many years of exposure to high levels.
Radon primarily enters homes through cracks in the foundation, floors, and walls, as well as through gaps around pipes, sumps, and other openings. It can also come in through certain building materials or well water. Basements and first floors are generally the most vulnerable areas because they are closest to the ground where radon originates.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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