Understanding Radon:
A Hidden Cause of Lung Cancer
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally released in the air from rocks and soil. Radon is in the air outside and can build up to dangerous or deadly levels inside homes and other buildings.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, there is no known safe level of radon; however, aiming for the lowest achievable radon level in your home will reduce your risk of harmful health effects, primarily, lung cancer.
How do I protect myself and my family from radon?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in people who never smoked. For people with a history of smoking, radon exposure can significantly increase their lung cancer risk.
Because radon is colorless and odorless, the only way to know if it’s present is through testing.
The good news? Testing is simple, low-cost, and many states offer resources to help with both testing and fixing high levels, if needed.
Who is Impacted by Lung Cancer?
Diagnosed in 2015, Jackie Nixon first noticed something was wrong when she began struggling to sing. Concerned, she consulted her doctor. That’s when Jackie received a diagnosis that would change her life: lung cancer.
Following her treatment recovery, Jackie dedicated herself to advocating for those impacted by lung cancer, raising awareness of its risk factors, and promoting the importance of early detection and radon mitigation.
I'm ready to test for radon. How do I get started?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and can increase lung cancer risks for people who smoke. Because it’s colorless and odorless, the only way to know if it’s present is through testing.
The good news? Testing is simple, low-cost, and many states offer resources to help with both testing and fixing high levels if needed. Here are some resources that can help you protect yourself, your family, and even your pets from radon.
The LiveLung Pittsburgh Radon Project
Recognizing the urgent need in the Pittsburgh area—where elevated radon levels and a diverse population with unequal access to health resources intersect—LiveLung is partnering with Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) to launch the Pittsburgh Radon Project. This 2025 community-driven initiative is designed to increase awareness of radon’s link to lung cancer, distribute free home testing kits to Pittsburgh area residents, connect individuals with low-cost mitigation services, and offer educational support for lung cancer patients and their care partners.
