Indoor Air Quality

NOTICE: The EPA has released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign for radon. The campaign features the U.S. Surgeon General's warning that radon causes lung cancer and that you should test your home.

Test Your Home for Radon -- It's Easy and Inexpensive

As a buyer or seller of an existing home, it is always a good idea to have your home tested for Radon.

Read the: "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon"

Currently radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims more than 20,000 lives annually. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested. Read about radon health risks.

Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer

Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miners who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. "These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes," said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA's Indoor Environments Division. "We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer." Read more about radon health risks...

You can test your home yourself or hire a professional.

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can't see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Read "A Citizen's Guide To Radon"

if you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more it is important to Fix your home. Some home improvement stores sell test kits.

To find a qualified testing or mitigation contractor you can contact your state radon office (see our list of state contacts) or either contact the private radon proficiency programs.

EPA has launched a new series of television, radio and print public service announcements encouraging people to test and fix their homes for radon. This is a good time to focus on testing and on fixing homes with a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more. These TV, radio and print PSA materials are available in English and Spanish. View the radon PSAs

For your family's safety, please heed the Surgeon General's warning. Take action now to reduce your family's risk of lung cancer from radon!

Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers Alike

Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon. Read more about radon health risks...

EPA Recommends: Test your home for radon -- it's easy and inexpensive; Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced.

Discounted radon test kits are available from the National Safety Council (or call 1-800-SOS-RADON).