Are you curious about the rates of radon-induced lung cancers in your state? According to the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, below are the top 10 states with the highest rates of radon-induced lung cancer:
| State | Radon-induced lung cancer cases per year |
| Pennsylvania | 3,018 |
| Ohio | 2,559 |
| Texas | 1,512 |
| Florida | 1,416 |
| Illinois | 1,476 |
| New York | 1,384 |
| California | 1,117 |
| Kentucky | 1,033 |
| Indiana | 966 |
| Wisconsin | 962 |
Click on your state’s radon report card to see the number of radon-induced lung cancer cases, radon policies in your state, and the estimated number of buildings with radon levels at or above the actionable limit. The EPA estimates that there are more than 21,000 deaths per year from radon induced lung cancer.
In Canada, it is estimated that 7% of homes have high radon levels with an estimated 3,200 radon induced lung cancer deaths per year, according to Health Canada. A good time to test for radon is when buying a home. The Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists offers these recommendations when buying a home in Canada.
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas released during the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It enters homes through cracks and other openings in foundations such as sump pumps. Homes trap radon inside where the gas decays into harmful radioactive atoms that get caught in the respiratory tract when people breathe. New and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements all have the potential for dangerous levels.
What can be done?
The only way to know if you are living in a home with radon is to test. You can measure for radon with a do-it-yourself home test or use a certified radon professional.
Radonova offers tests that can be used by homeowners as well as radon professionals.
- QuickScreen is a 2-to-4-day charcoal radon screener which is ideal for obtaining a quick snapshot of radon levels.
- The 10 to 90 day Rapidos alpha track detector provides detailed and accurate results in a relatively quick period.
- Radtrak³ is the most popular alpha track radon detector in the world. It is deployed for up to 365 days and is the most accurate option.
Test your first floor, basement, and other first floor rooms where you spend more than 4 hours per day.
Many home inspectors are also certified to measure radon levels. Professional radon inspectors will know how to measure the entire property accurately and where to test within the home. The test should be performed by an NRPP, NRSB, and/or state listed radon testing contractor. To find an NRPP contractor in your state, search the NRPP website by your zip code. In Canada, search the C-NRPP website to find a professional in your province or postal code.
What to do if home radon levels are high?
If radon levels are high, then radon mitigation systems can be installed by certified radon professionals to reduce radon levels to below the actionable limit – sometimes by as much as 99%.
The cost of radon mitigation is similar to the costs of other common home repairs. Costs will vary depending on your home’s size, the design, your location, and the type of radon reduction method that is needed.
About Radonova
Radonova is the laboratory of choice for numerous government radon surveys, as well as other public, and private sector large-scale measurement contracts around the world. A truly global laboratory, Radonova is active in over 50 countries and has performed millions of radon measurements.
