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Radon (Rn) is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, given off by rocks and soil as the radioactive element radium (Ra) breaks down. Radium, which is formed when the radioactive elements uranium (U) and thorium (Th) break down, was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. People who are exposed to high levels of radon may have an increased risk of lung cancer [80,81].

Some parts of the United States have higher levels of radon in their rocks and soil, and for this reason, affordable radon test kits have been developed to assess the amount of this gas in individual homes. The test kits are available at most hardware stores. There are several ways to reduce home radon to a safe level.