Radon gas has been indentified as the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke, and is estimated to be responsible for over 60 deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. each day.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium found in most rocks and soil. You cannot see, smell or taste it. When outdoors, radon mixes with fresh air and is usually not harmful. However, inside a house or enclosed building radon can build up to high levels and become harmful.
Radon can be found all over the United States, in every county in Idaho, in old and new homes, and in homes with and without basements. The only way to know the radon level is in your home is to test your house for radon. For more information about radon, see the Radon Fact Sheet.