The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised its estimate of annual U.S. lung cancer deaths from exposure to radon gas based on new data from the National Academy of Sciences. 

Radon is a radioactive gas found in rocks, soils, and water. It's generally harmless outdoors where it mixes with air. Indoors, it can collect in greater concentrations by seeping through cracks in a home's foundation and joints. Lower levels of the house are more vulnerable.

You can't see, smell, or taste radon, but the EPA says it's the second-leading cause of lung cancer. About one in 15 homes has elevated levels. 

While there are professional testing services, inexpensive home testing kits are widely available. Sales are up since the Surgeon General's advisory. 

The EPA ranks states and counties by their "radon potential" on its Web site, epa.gov/radon. Click on EPA Map of Radon Zones along the left side to get an idea of the radon level in your area.

Most tests cost $10 to $20 and require you to take air samples and send them to labs. There are even kits that feature a digital monitor designed to beep loudly when it detects higher radon levels. They will cost about a $100.

According to the EPA, higher-risk states include Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Lower-risk states include Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas.

The EPA standard is 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter of air). They recommend taking steps to reduce any higher reading.
 

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