The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a new release last month urging consumers to be cautious about the danger of radon gas ("Radon Causes 100 Times More Deaths than Carbon Monoxide Poisoning -- EPA Launches National Radon Action Month").

According to the agency, about 20,000 people will die in 2008 due to breathing too much radon, without even knowing it. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, the agency said.

An invisible radioactive gas, radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It can seep into homes undetected through foundation cracks.

If the gas is trapped inside, it may rise to harmful levels. About one in 15 homes will develop radon levels that the agency considers high. Radon problems can exist in any home. The only way to know is to test for it.

The agency indicates that only a few simple steps are needed to deal with the threat. Those living in existing homes can buy an easy-to-use radon test kit.

If levels are found to be high, they can be lowered with a radon venting system installed by a contractor.

Those moving into new homes can request builders to test for the gas. Builders can easily and economically include radon-resistant features during construction.

The EPA maintains a list of publications on radon at www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/index.html.

Publications are in English and Spanish. A National Radon Information Line is maintained at (800) SOS-RADON (767-7236).

Opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Joseph Pellicciotti is a lawyer, professor and associate vice chancellor at Indiana University Northwest.