South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Protect your home from radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. If it gets trapped in your home, it can build up to dangerous levels and harm your family’s health. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Radon:

• comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils;
• typically moves up through the ground and into your home through cracks in floors and walls, construction joints, cavities inside walls, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes;
• can sometimes enter homes through well water;
• may get trapped inside your home and reach dangerous levels;
• can be found throughout the United States; and
• can get into any type of building:
  • homes, offices and schools;
  • old and new buildings;
  • both well-sealed and drafty homes; and
  • homes with or without basements.

S.C. DHEC Publications

EPA Publications

Other Helpful Web Sites

Health Risks of Radon

You’re likely to get your greatest exposure to radon at home since that’s where you spend most of their time.

Radon is a risk because it decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe, potentially causing lung cancer. 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 and if you smoke or have ever smoked.

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Measuring Radon

The amount of radon in the air is measured in “pico Curies per liter of air” or “pCi/L.” If you find that the radon level in your home is 4 pCi/L or higher, you should contact a qualified professional to install a radon reduction system. The relatively inexpensive systems can sometimes reduce radon levels in homes by 99 percent.

The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test your home, an easy, inexpensive, quick process. Purchase a radon test kit at home improvement stores, hire a certified radon tester, or request a FREE radon test kit from us by e-mailing us, or calling 1-800-768-0362 or (864) 241-1090.

The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (e.g., the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise, the first floor).

Radon-resistant Homes

Many home buyers ask about radon levels before they buy. Before putting your home up for sale,  test for radon. If a problem exists, fix it so it won’t complicate your sale.

If you are renovating your home, test the area for radon before you begin.

If you are building a home, add radon-resistant features. Learn how by reading the EPA’s guide, "Building Radon Out: A Step-by-step Guide on How to Build Radon-resistant Homes."

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