Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground. It is formed from uranium deep in the earth, then it goes up through cracks in the ground and into basements. Because radon is heavier than air, it stays in your basement until it's blown out. The problem is that most people don't ventilate their basements very well. Radon is dangerous because when you breathe it into your lungs, it can release radiation. The radiation can cause cancer over a long period of time.

Not every house has high levels of radon; it all depends on how much uranium there is in the earth under your house, and how many cracks there are in the walls and floor of your basement. Because you can't see or smell it, if you're worried about radon you have to buy a special testing kit to check if it's there.

The best prevention to keep radon from building up to dangerous levels is to make sure your basement is well ventilated. If radon is a serious problem in your area, you should seal all of the cracks in your basement to make sure no radon can get in.