Why is Radon Significant?
Although radon gas is available in the air in trace amounts, it is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Generally, outdoor radon disperses rapidly and does not cause any health issues. However, exposure to radon is higher indoors, such as at home, schools, workplaces, shopping malls, and so forth. The gas gets trapped inside the buildings after it enters through holes and other gaps in the foundation.
Inhaling radon for a day or two will not harm you as much as it will in due course of time. Your lungs are at constant risk of suffering from lung cancer. If we consider it as a separate disease, lung cancer among non-smokers ranks seven in the global cancer mortality rate. Approximately, more than 21,000 people die of radon-related cancer each year in the United States. Therefore, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States of America.
Radon is present everywhere in the US. Although the level of gas differs from state to state, there is no denying that it is present in each of the states in the USA. Northern states, such as Ohio, tend to have elevated levels of radon compared to other regions of the country. Homes in central Ohio have tested 50x above the action level. It is recommeded by the EPA to have your home tested every 2 years for radon.