Protecting your home from radon
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the number one
cause of lung cancer among non‐smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer
overall, responsible for about 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium
inside the earth. It causes no immediate health symptoms. Simple test kits can reveal the
amount of radon in any building. In most buildings, levels of radon can be reduced with easy
and affordable venting techniques. Homes built on a concrete slab or homes with a
basement may also be at a higher risk for radon gas.
Radon levels are believed to vary throughout Clark County, with higher levels in areas
bordering the Columbia River. Because of these varying radon levels, Public Health
encourages all residents to get their homes tested. Test kits are available at most home