If someone asked you what the second leading cause of lung cancer is, could you answer them?

What if they told you that if you're a non-smoker, it's the leading cause of lung cancer.

20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by it every year.

Still, don't have an answer? Don't worry; you're not alone.

I'll spill the beans. The second leading cause of lung cancer is radon.

That probably sounds familiar, but you might not know exactly what radon is.

It's a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas.

Completely undetectable by humans.

Radon is produced when radioactive elements, such as uranium, decay. Uranium is found in soil and rocks throughout the world.

If you live in an area where these elements exist, radon could be extremely prevalent.

Are you building a new house? Read our blog post: “What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Radon When Building a New Home?” here.

Why Ohio Homes Have Such a Radon Problem

Radon Gas in Ohio homes poses a danger to those who are living there. Continuously breathing in air that contains elevated levels of radon can cause damage to the lung tissue and cells, which can cause lung cancer. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the first among non-smokers. Radon is a major health concern for Ohio residents. 

Homes with Sump Pumps and Radon 

Radon Gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, killing more people every year than drunk drivers. If your home has elevated levels of radon gas it is recommended by the EPA and World Health Organization to have a radon mitigation system installed to eliminate the high radon concentration levels. 

Is There Radon Gas in Building Materials? 

Radon gas is naturally created from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which can be found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon is extremely prevalent in areas that contain large levels of granite concentrations.

Radon in the soil and rock is released into the air and underground water and surface water through the natural half-life decay process. 

The potential threat of radon exposure isn't the only thing that's growing in Ohio. Read our blog post: "Radon Testing Company Expanding in Greater Cleveland, OH!"

Radon is a naturally occurring gas with radioactive properties that is produced by the natural breakdown of thorium and uranium in soil, rock, and water.

There is a significant amount of false information circulating about radon. Read our blog post "Common Misconceptions of Radon Gas." here!

Causes of High Radon Gas Levels 

If you are concerned about the Radon Gas levels in your home, you have every right to be. Radon Gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause for non-smokers. Your risk of contracting lung cancer increases exponentially if you are exposed to high levels of radon gas. 

What are the 5 Most Important Ohio Radon Statistics to Know?

Many people call our office to figure out how Radon can affect them, their household and what statistics they should be paying the most attention to. 

In this blog post, we are going to share what we believe are some of the most important Radon statistics in the state of Ohio and what you can do to protect yourself from Radon Gas.

Another important fact you might not know is January is national radon action month. Learn more in our blog post: “National Radon Action Month.”

What is Radon Gas? 

There are many common misconceptions about radon gas. First, we need to discuss what radon gas is. It is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It is naturally created from the decay of radioactive elements found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world.

Radon is extremely prevalent in areas with substantial levels of granite concentrations. Radon gas in the soil and rock is released into the air and underground water and surface water through the natural half-life decay process. 

Have other questions about radon? Read our blog post: "Frequently Asked Radon Gas Questions" here.