Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can pose a serious health risk if it becomes trapped under your house. Radon typically enters the home via underground crawl spaces, sump pumps, gaps in the basement and even the water supply. It can pollute your indoor air with its toxic vapors, and is held responsible for more than 20,000 lung-disease-related deaths every year. Radon is assumed to be present in millions of American homes.

How do you detect the presence of radon gas, and how can you reduce its presence and influence if it is found in your home? First, have your home tested by a professional. Many contractors are licensed or certified by state and/or local agencies. They will conduct diagnostic testing to determine if radon gas is at acceptable levels. If levels are dangerous, the contractor can install a radon reduction system. Ask the contractor for references documenting the results of past work in other homes. Make sure the company checks the house after the system is installed, to verify that it is reducing the radon levels.

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