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What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally-occuring cancer-causing radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.  Radon comes from the decay of radium in the soil, which is a decay product of uranium.  Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family’s health.

Why is radon harmful?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and claims about 20,000 lives annually.  If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

When radon and its decay products are inhaled into your lungs, they emit alpha particles. These alpha particles can strike the sensitive lining of the bronchi. When this happens, the cells in your lungs are damaged, subsequently increasing your risk to radon-related cancer.  Most alpha particle radiation comes from radon decay products.  However, because it is easier to measure radon rather than its decay products, people usually characterize the exposure by the amount of radon in their living spaces.

Is radon-related lung cancer fatal?

Most often, yes. Lung cancer is a disease that has a very poor survival rate.  Prevention is the most effective defense.  Don’t smoke and don’t breathe elevated concentrations of radon.

Are radon levels something I really need to be concerned with?

Yes!  For most people, radon is their largest source of exposure to nuclear radiation.  Many homes, particularly homes in the upper Midwest, contain radon concentrations that are well above the acceptable limits of 4 pCi/L set forth by the EPA.

As this map shows, the Quad Cities and surrounding areas have among the highest estimated radon levels in the country.

How do I determine the radon levels in my home or building?

Test Your Home for Radon.  It’s easy and inexpensive.  Fix your home or building if you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more.

Radon Solutions provides high-quality state-of-the-art radon testing services and kits.  We offer homeowners, renters, real estate professionals, relocation companies, home inspectors, builders, and lenders a prompt accurate radon testing service.  After testing, we will provide a report that is easy to read and understand and make a recommendation on what to do next.

How do I fix my home or building?

The best way to fix, or mitigate, radon levels in your home or building is to install a professional radon reduction system.  A radon reduction system is any system or steps designed to reduce radon concentrations in the indoor air of a building.  While most components are common, no two systems are identical. Systems must be customized to the needs of your home.

Radon Solutions provides high quality radon reduction systems that are guaranteed to reduce elevated radon levels.  We will custom design a system based on the individual characteristics of your home or building.

Interview with Tony about
Radon Gas

Read the Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon