Why is radon important? Radon is a naturally occurring gas that enters buildings from the surrounding soil. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and radioactive. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in every county in Ohio. Increased radon levels increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to tobacco smoking. Should I test my home for radon? Yes. Testing is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. The Ohio Department of Health estimates that one of every two (1/2) Ohio homes has radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level. What does the recommended action level mean? The EPA set a recommended action level for radon at 4.0 picoCuries/liter (pCi/L) as advice to the public on how to understand their test results. To use the recommended action level correctly, it should be compared to the annual average level of radon measured in a home. If the annual average level of radon in a home is above this action level, EPA and ODH recommend that steps be taken to lower it. How much radon in a home is safe? Any amount of radon carries some risk, even at or below the recommended action level. The risk of lung cancer increases with higher long-term average radon levels. Because it isn’t possible to reduce radon to zero, the best approach is to lower it as much as possible. In Ohio there are no regulations requiring that radon be reduced, so people must decide for themselves how much radon they feel is acceptable in their home. Where can I get a radon test kit? The ODH conducts a certification program for radon laboratories. It is recommended that you purchase a test kit that was manufactured by, and will be analyzed by, an approved laboratory. Radon test kits are sold at some hardware or home supply stores. Your local health department may offer test kits at reduced prices or at no cost. Contact the ODH Radon Program (1-800-523- 4439) for information on where to obtain low cost radon test kits. How much will a radon test cost? A radon test kit will cost between $5 and $30, depending on the type of kit. This price should include the laboratory analysis. Many of Ohio’s County and City Health Department s have free radon test kits available for their residents. If you hire someone to test your home, it will be more expensive. Licensed Radon Testers are often used when an unbiased third party is needed, such as in real estate transactions. Under Ohio law, other than the homeowner, only a Licensed Radon Tester may test a house.