Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uraniumin soil,rock, and gets into water and the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.

State officials want residents to test their homes for an undetectable radioactive gas that could cause cancer. The New Jersey Department of Health said one in six New Jersey homes has elevated levels of radon, according to a press release. Radon occurs naturally and has no color, odor or taste, and moves into soil and home foundations. The gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer and causes an estimated 566 deaths in New Jersey each year.