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With radon considered the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking, the cold months of winter bring more accidental deaths than usual. An invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas which is derived from the breakdown of uranium in soil, it is associated with approximately 22,000 lung cancer deaths annually and has the potential to affect 15% of American households.

Winter is a worse time for radon because the homes are more closed down with less air flow, allowing the gas to remain in the home. Also, people are more apt to "hole up" in their homes due to cold weather and winter storms. Additionally, many home-fuel systems are running during the winters with another gas --- carbon monoxide --- to mix with the radon.

Location of radon when entering the home

If radon is found in water and in the air, it poses little risk. But once it enters the home through surrounding soil, rock, and surround air, it is another situation. All kinds of homes in all locations can allow the dangerous gas to enter through foundation cracks or through the flooring, with the most dangerous areas in basements and the first floor.

Other areas consist of sump pumps, cellars, crawl spaces, and brick walls. In other words, any area is susceptible to radon where the flow is air can stagnate. The only way testing of radon is accomplished is through inexpensive 100% EPA approved radon kits which can be accomplished in just a few days. Inexpensive, the radon tests should be conducted in all homes, on the second floor on down to the basement.

Radon exposure symptoms

Several major health organizations are concerned about the long-term radon exposure causing cancer: Environmental Protection Agency; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Lung Association; American Medical Association; and the National Academy of Sciences. Even though this is a natural ingredient, it has been proven to be harmful to the health of humans and has the potential to be very deadly, especially to the very young, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system.

There are no early symptoms of radon gas poisoning as radon gas has a half life of 3.8 days, upon which it breaks down to polonium and then lead atoms. These elements are not sufficient to cause major health issues to the human body even though they are toxic --- except when they are released into the lungs.

The danger lies once the radioactive gas damages the body's cells deep within the lungs with no discernible symptoms that occur early for warning signs. Once the symptoms are evident, the cancer is well developed in the lungs.