Radon is a chemical element that is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils, and also in water. Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, color or taste, and is a major cause of lung cancer, responsible for between 3% to 14% of all lung cancers in a country.  The more smoking, along with radon, the greater the incidence of lung cancer.

Radon escapes from the ground into the air, where it decays and produces further radioactive particles. As we breathe, these particles are deposited on the cells lining the airways, where they can damage DNA and potentially cause lung cancer.

An increased rate of lung cancer was first seen in uranium miners exposed to very high concentrations of radon, but the more likely exposure to radon occurs in the home where people spend much of their time, though indoor workplaces may also be a source of exposure. Radon enters buildings through cracks in the floors or at floor-wall junctions, gaps around pipes or cables, small pores in hollow-block walls, cavity walls, or sumps or drains. Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground

Fortunately, assessing the presence and level of radon in residential building is not difficult nor extremely expensive, and the remedy requires some basic venting of air from the closed building

Some further ideas to explore on radon;

Identify a business or organization that can assesses the status of radon in your residence.

How much would it cost to undertake the assessment?

How much would it cost to remediate any radon from your residence?

Sources:

Radon, US Environmental Protection Agency bit.ly/4ikBF3F

Radon, World Health Organization (WHO)  bit.ly/4kcjZsJ

Am I At Risk for Radon Poisoning? Healthline  bit.ly/43a3WFI

Radon Gas, Cleveland Clinic my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21523-radon-gas