Radon gas is a naturally occurring, radioactive contaminate that is present in all indoor and outdoor air.  The gas is produced in the long radioactive decay chain of uranium, a common ore found in most soil and rock formations throughout the world.  In the outdoor environment, radon gas naturally diffuses from the ground and mixes with other air.  It is highly diluted and generally not considered a health risk.  However, if a strong radon source exists below a building, the gas can easily seep into the building where the enclosed foundation can act as a container resulting in extremely high levels and an increase in health risk.

When domestic water is provided to a home through an on-site water well or a community well, radon will enter the well and be carried by water into the living areas of the home. It then gets released from the water into the breathing air. Both basement air and water radon points of entry can result in high exposure and an increase in health risk for lung cancer illness. 

Based on extensive human data from the uranium mining industry, animal studies, and various worldwide scientific research, health physicists, scientists, and other health-related professionals have confirmed the link of radon gas to lung cancer illness.  In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers radon a Class “A” carcinogen and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

The pie chart below illustrates the contribution of radon-222 to our annual radiation exposure to naturally occurring and man-made radiation.  Radon gas is very clearly the largest contributor to our annual radiation exposure.

The good news is that radon is a very manageable contaminant, sometimes by sealing obvious areas of entry, i.e., open sump holes, large cracks, etc. However, the most common remedy is a professionally installed reduction system. Both basement radon and well water radon can be successfully controlled, however, the systems, especially for well water are expensive. The health concerns and the cost-to-fix factors have made radon measurements an important prior-to-purchase service.