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Health Updates

National Radon Action Month
January 2009

You can't see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Take Action in January:

Four Things You Can Do During National Radon Action Month

1. Test your home - EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.
2. Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area - Look for radon events in your community. Contact your state radon program for more information about local radon activities.
3. Spread the word
   • Tell your family and friends about the health risks of radon. Encourage them to test their homes.
   • Plan an activity in your community to help raise awareness.
   • Write an op-ed or letter to the editor. View tips and a sample op-ed and letter to the editor (PDF, 2 pp, 101K) from EPA's National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit.
   • Attract media attention by working with a local official to get a radon proclamation. View tips and a sample proclamation from EPA's National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit.
4. Buy a radon-resistant home - If you are considering buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction.