Frequently Asked Questions

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Radon is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas that naturally occurs in rocks, soil, and water. It forms as a result of the decay of uranium, a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust. While present everywhere, high levels of radon can pose a significant health risk, primarily through exposure in enclosed spaces like homes and buildings. According to the EPA, about 1 in 15 homes in the United States have radon levels above the recommended action level ). This means that millions of Americans are potentially exposed to elevated levels of this colorless, odorless gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country.

• Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers.
• The danger lies in radon's radioactivity, which damages lung cells at high exposure levels.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. after smoking.

While present everywhere, high levels of radon can pose a significant health risk, primarily through exposure in enclosed spaces like homes and buildings.

• Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers.
• The danger lies in radon's radioactivity, which damages lung cells at high exposure levels.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. after smoking.

• Mold: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 25% of homes in the United States have visible mold growth. Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, especially in children and people with asthma.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are a class of chemicals emitted from a variety of household products, such as paints, furniture, and cleaning supplies. VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and some have been linked to long-term health problems.

• Reduced risk of respiratory illnesses: Indoor air can harbor various pollutants like allergens, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). These can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and irritate airways, leading to respiratory problems like bronchitis, pneumonia, and even lung cancer in long-term exposure.
• Improved cognitive function and productivity: Poor air quality can negatively impact concentration, memory, and alertness. Studies have shown that improving indoor air quality can boost productivity and cognitive performance in workplaces and schools.
• Enhanced sleep quality: Pollutants and allergens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. Monitoring and addressing air quality issues can promote better sleep and improve overall well-being.

Making small changes to your everyday habits can make a big impact on the health of your air. The insights you gain from monitoring your air quality can help you avoid indoor air pollutants like PM2.5 from wildfire smoke, airborne chemicals, radon gas, and more.