Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. It is formed from the radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in small amounts in most rocks and soils. Some areas in the U.S. have higher levels of radon than others because of the rock features in that area. Radon is found in very low levels in outdoor air. It can also be found in higher levels indoors. Levels of radon vary depending on the structure of your home. Radon gas releases small bursts of energy that can damage your lungs and lead to cancer. People who have been exposed to high levels of radon over a period of time may have an increased risk for lung diseases. The risk is higher if they smoke.

How do I find out if there are high radon levels at my house?

Household testing for radon has become relatively inexpensive and available (i.e., $15.00 per test). These tests can be found in most hardware stores and other retail outlets. In Montana you can purchase a testing kit from the Montana State University Extension Service. It is important to purchase a radon test that has passed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing program.

There are two types of do-it-yourself radon test kits. A short-term test is recommended for first-time testing. This test is typically a charcoal canister that is placed in the lowest area of your home for 3-7 days. The cansiter is then mailed to and analyzed at a lab. All mailing information should be included in the test kit. Four pCi/L (4 picoCuries per Liter) is the level at which the US EPA recommends action be taken to lower radon concentrations. Long-term tests are useful in detecting a home's year-round average radon level. These tests are placed in the home for 90 days or more.

How are children exposed to radon?

Adults and children are exposed to radon in indoor environments where the gas enters buildings through cracks in walls and floors, construction joints, and around pipes, wires, or pumps. Basements tend to have higher levels of radon than upper stories of homes.

Can radon exposure be prevented?

Reducing childhood exposure to radon may include low-cost solutions such as not locating bedrooms and play-rooms in basements and ventilating low areas of the home, or higher-cost solutions such as contracting for full abatement with an average cost of about $1000 per home. Radon testing is not required in the United States, so parents must actively choose to test for radon in order to know what levels their children are being exposed to and further understand actions needed for exposure prevention.

• Limit your time in the basement and ventilate your basement and crawl spaces as much as possible.
• Children's bedrooms and play rooms should not be located in the basement, where radon levels are higher
• Seal any noticeable cracks in your basement with a sealant approved for radon.
• Shut off that area of the home through the use of doors.
• Select an approved contractor to come in and evaluate the problem.