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Radon

 

Radon is a gas that has no color, odor, or taste and comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in the ground.

Radon gas can also dissolve and accumulate in water from underground sources such as wells. When water that contains radon is used in the home for showering, washing dishes, and cooking, radon gas escapes from the water and goes into the air.  Drinking water containing radon also presents a risk of developing internal organ cancers, primarily stomach cancer. Based on a National Academy of Science report, EPA estimates that radon in drinking water causes about 168 cancer deaths per year: 89% from lung cancer caused by breathing radon released to the indoor air from water and 11% from stomach cancer caused by consuming water containing radon.