Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but which can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. Scientists have long been concerned about the health risk of radon, but never before has there been such overwhelming proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer int he U.S., after smoking. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. "However, because you can't see or smell radon, people tend to downplay the health effects and ignore the possibility that there might be a silent killer in their homes," said Amy Little, from Tennessee's Radon Program.

Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware stores for under $25. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs, such as painting or having a new water heater installed.

Radon presents a serious health risk, but it can be controlled easily and cost-effectively. Take a radon test today. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same! For more information, visit www.tn.gov/environment/ea/radon or call 1-800-232-1139. Or, visit the EPA's National Radon Action Month Web site at www.epa.gov/radon/.

Live green and make the air in your home healthy and clean. Living green starts from the ground up. So make sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. Visit www.tn.gov/environment/ea/radon or call 1-800-232-1139.

This information is brought to you courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in preparation for National Radon month in January.