You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Radon, a Class A carcinogen, is the second cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year (one every 25 minutes).  In Florida, one in five homes tested has elevated radon levels above the  action level of 4 pCi/L. Elevated radon levels have been found in all types of buildings, including manufactured homes, schools and high-rise condominiums.

Radon is 2nd LARGEST cause of LUNG CANCER

Radon comes from the radioactive breakdown of naturally occurring radium found in most soils. As a gas in the soil, it enters buildings through small openings in the foundation. Since the building can hold the radon similarly to smoke trapped under a glass, indoor radon concentrations can increase to many times that of outdoor levels. The only way to know the radon levels in your home is to test.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that forms naturally in soil and rock throughout the world. 

Outdoor levels are usually low. Indoors, radon can be found at higher levels. Radon is found in commercial buildings, houses,schools, high rises, etc.

In the U.S., radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Yearly Deaths:

• Radon: 
  • 21,000
• Secondhand Smoke:
  • 3,000

Protect Yourself:

• All buildings and houses should be tested.
• Constructing a new house or building?  Look into radon-resistant techniques.
• Stop smoking.  If you are exposed to radon, smoking can increase lung cancer risk.

Measure Radon Levels:

• DIY—Buy a radon gas test kit and follow the directions.
• OR—Hire a certified radon measurement business.
• Did you know?
  • Picocurie per liter, or pCi/L, measures radon levels.
  • No radon level is safe.
  • A level at or above 4pCi/L is considered high.
  • 1 in 5 Florida Homes has an elevated radon level.

Radon Level Elevated?

Your next step is to reduce radon levels to safer limits:

• Contact a certified radon mitigator
• Or call the Florida Radon and Indoor Air Program
  • 1-800-543-8279
• Learn More at Radon.FloridaHealth.Gov

Florida Health Office of Communications

PDF: May 8, 2019

For more information contact:

Florida Department of Health
Radon and Indoor Air Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin A08
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7017
800-543-8279
850-245-4288
Radon.FloridaHealth.gov
EPA.gov/Radon

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