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10 Things to Know About Radon

  1. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas created during the natural decay of uranium in the soil.
  2. Radon is everywhere, and Wisconsin has moderate to high concentrations of radon.
  3. Radon gas is drawn into homes through cracks and openings in basements, crawl spaces and slabs.
  4. If you use a well for your drinking water supply, radon can also enter your home through well water.
  5. Radon levels vary from house to house and have nothing to do with age, quality or upkeep of the home.
  6. Radon gas has been shown to cause lung cancer in people who are exposed to elevated levels over a long period of time.
  7. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends radon reduction if your home level equals or exceeds 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
  8. If you smoke and your home has an elevated radon level, your risk for lung cancer is especially high.
  9. Radon is a problem that can be fixed.
  10. Radon problems can be prevented by installing a radon mitigation system.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides more information on radon here as well as an informational pamphlet.