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WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the earth's rock and soil. It is formed by the natural breakdown of radium, which itself is a decay of uranium. As radon decays, it forms radioactive by-products which can damage lung tissue when inhaled and eventually cause lung cancer. Radon is the main source of our exposure to all radiation. In fact, 55% of all the radiation to which we are exposed comes from radon gas. Radon enters your home through cracks in the basement and foundation and can build to high levels. Indoor radon is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
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RADON FACTS
♦Radon is an odorless, colorless gas
♦According to the US EPA, radon causes approximately 22,000 deaths each year
♦One in every 15 homes has radon levels above the EPA's action guideline of 4.0pCi/L
♦It is believed that about 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have elevated radon levels
♦Radon is not just a problem in homes, but in schools and workplaces as well
♦Smokers exposed to radon have a greater risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers exposed
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