Radon Facts


What is Radon?


Radon is a colorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the decay of uranium-238, which occurs naturally in rocks and soil.  

Counties within Central Kentucky are part of a geographical region that is relatively high in natural uranium-238 which increases the level of radon in air and water.

When radon accumulates in indoor air it can increase the health risks (primarily lung cancer) to occupants.   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution. 


Is Radon A Problem In Kentucky?


The EPA states that high levels of radon can exist in any area of the United States.  Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon can be found all over the U.S. and can get into any type of building.  The Surgeon General Health Advisory states:  "Indoor radon gas is a national health problem.  Radon causes thousands of deaths each year.  Millions of homes have elevated radon levels.  Homes should be tested for radon.  When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected."

















What Do The Colors Mean?


Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (red zones) Highest Potential

Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones) Moderate Potential

Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (yellow zones) Low Potential


How Does Radon Enter Your Home?























              (Image courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency)


Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.  Radon can also enter your home through well water.  Your home can trap radon inside.


What is the Risk Of Living With Radon?


According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. 

This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. And the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years. 





















(Image courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency)


Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners).


Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:

  • How much radon is in your home

  • The amount of time you spend in your home

  • Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked


How Can You Find Out If You Have High Radon Levels In Your Home?

Sapper 6 professionals can test the radon levels in your home and water supply, and then offer you solutions to alleviate the levels that can ultimately harm your health.  We don't just show you the levels, we fix them by installing state of the art solutions so you and your family will be safe and healthy in your own home. 


See our Radon Testing page for more information regarding testing your home.