Radon is a colorless, radioactive gas that comes from decay of uranium in the ground. Although high levels are found in certain parts of the country, small amounts exist in soil and ground water throughout the United States. It can seep into houses through cracks in the basement wall and other openings. Even if your neighbor’s home doesn’t have it, yours could. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Buy a kit at a hardware store; make sure it’s certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the test shows your house has elevated levels of radon, you can hire a professional to correct the problem or you can tackle it yourself. The typical fix is to seal cracks in floors and walls.
