American Lung Association Dispels Top 4 Myths about Radon, Second-leading Cause of Lung Cancer

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that hides invisibly in homes yet is the nation’s second-leading cause of lung cancer. This January, during Radon Action Month, the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania is raising awareness about radon and addressing common myths around this deadly gas.

“Hidden in far too many homes is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, radon. Lung cancer remains the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths, so people need to be aware of and take action to decrease radon levels in their homes, schools and other buildings where it may be hiding,” said American Lung Association Director of Environmental Health, Advocacy and Public Policy Kevin Stewart. “The good news is that testing for and reducing the high radon levels is straightforward and effective. The Lung Association encourages all families, schools and daycares to test for radon to protect everyone’s health and save lives.”

Myth #1: Radon is not harmful.

Fact: Not only is radon invisible, it’s also radioactive. While you can’t see it, exposure to high levels of radon over time can cause lung cancer, and radon ranks as the nation’s second-leading cause of the disease. Radon-related lung cancers are responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year in the United States.

Myth #2: Radon is rare and doesn’t impact our community.

Fact: The reality is that radon is found at dangerous levels in an estimated 1 in 15 homes nationwide. In Pennsylvania, high levels are found even more frequently, in approximately 40 percent of homes. Your home can have elevated levels of radon while your neighbor’s home does not. It doesn’t matter where you live, because radon comes from rock and soil and can be found anywhere. It then enters the home or building through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings, and can exist at dangerous levels indoors.

Myth #3: Testing for radon is expensive.

Fact: The only way to detect dangerous levels of radon in your home is to test the air. Various forms of do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use, inexpensive and can be purchased online or at home improvement and hardware stores. Professional testing is also available, often for under $300, although the price varies by location and building size. Schools and daycares may need professional help to do the testing.

Myth #4: Our schools are safe.

Fact: Testing for radon in schools is not required in most states, neither is fixing the problem. Not only children, but also teachers and other staff who work in schools can be exposed to dangerous levels of radon. The last nationwide survey of radon levels in schools, completed in 1993, found that nearly one in five schools had at least one classroom with dangerous levels of radon. The American Lung Association leads a coalition of groups working to highlight the importance of testing for radon in both schools and daycares through the National Radon Action Plan. In 2014, federal actions have already reached an estimated 1.6 million homes, schools and childcare facilities with guidance and incentives to reduce radon risk and have tested for and mitigated high radon risk when necessary in nearly 200,000 units.                                                                                                           

To learn more about radon and how to test homes, visit Lung.org/radon or call the tollfree Lung HelpLine at

1-800-LUNGUSA. Local information can be found here or by calling 1-800-237-2366.

For media interested in speaking with an expert about radon gas, the National Radon Action Plan or lung cancer, contact the American Lung Association’s Eastern Division Communications Director Ewa Dworakowski at [email protected] or 717-503-3903.