Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay (breaking down) of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air and into underground water and surface water. Radon can attach to dust and other particles and can be breathed into the lungs. As radon in the air breaks down, they give off radiation that can damage the DNA inside the body’s cells.
Radon enters the home when gas is given off by soil or rock and enters through cracks in floors or walls; construction joints; or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires, or pumps. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. This level is closest to the soil or rock that is the source of the radon. Therefore, people who spend much of their time in basement rooms at home or at work have a greater risk for being exposed. Refer to the map below for areas most susceptible to Radon.
