Joplin, Mo – It’s colorless, odorless and tasteless, and with prolonged exposure it can be quite dangerous. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, should never be taken for granted, particularly inside the home.

Radon is created by the radioactive decay of trace amounts of uranium or radium commonly found in the soil, rock and water below ground. It becomes a health risk when the atomic particles begin damaging a person’s lungs over long periods of time, potentially leading to lung cancer.

“People who breathe in radioactive particles, swallow water with high radon levels or are exposed to radon for a long period of time are susceptible to lung damage and lung cancer,” said Dr. Grant Pierson, Freeman Pulmonologist. “This may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person's risk of lung cancer. When radon exceeds acceptable levels, the result can be deadly, and it may take years before the health problems appear.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon:

• Causes 21,000 deaths from radon-associated lung cancer each year.
• Is the No. 1 environmental cause of any cancer.
• Is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked.
• Contributes to 12% of lung cancers in the US.

One in every 15 homes nationwide have radon levels at or above the recommended levels, which according to the Environmental Protection Agency is 4 picocuries per liter of air. The average indoor radon levels nationwide hovers around 1.3 picocuries. According to the Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology Indoor Air Quality Database from 2015, average radon levels found in some Jasper and Newton County-based homes range from 2 to 3.9 picocuries.

Radon can easily be detected through testing. Simple test kits can reveal the amount or percentage of radon found inside a building or home. Homes with high levels can be fixed with easy and affordable venting techniques to reduce risks and dangers. Missouri residents may request a free residential radon test kit from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, limited to one free kit per year. Test kits are also available online or at local stores for around $25.

“There aren’t widely available medical tests to measure whether you have been exposed to radon, but if you think you might have been, talk with your doctor about whether you should get regular health checkups and tests to look for possible signs of lung cancer,” Dr. Pierson said. “Symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s important to quit smoking.”