• Adverse health effects of radon – lung cancer - are not immediately experienced
• You can be exposed to radon for years without ever detecting its presence in your home
• Elevated levels of radon can be found in both new and old buildings
• Can be found in all types of buildings – not just homes
• Radon levels vary from house to house – only way to know for sure is by testing the house
• The risk of developing lung cancer at 4.0 pCi/L is estimated at about 7 lung cancer deaths per 1000 persons - no single person’s risk of developing lung cancer can be estimated
• Enters through the foundation - basement, crawlspace, or slab
• Typically radon levels are highest in lowest areas of the home
• Tests should be placed in lowest livable area - At least 20 inches from floor and at least 3 feet from openings in exterior walls
• Short test usually takes 2-3 days - Data collected for less than 48 hours should be considered invalid
• Long term testing (at least 91 days) - Preferred method as radon levels can vary from season to season or if short term test reads above 4.0 pCi/L
