Easy to reduce radon risks in the home

Jan 7 2009

Did you know that radon gas is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? Nearly 50 people a day will die from indoor exposure to radon - that's equal to about 20,000 people each year.

The good news? It's simple and affordable to reduce radon risks in the home. As part of National Radon Action Month in January, EPA is releasing a series of public service announcements (PSAs) reminding families that a radon-resistant home is a greener and healthier home. EPA estimates that one in 15 homes will have elevated radon levels. If your home tests high, a qualified radon professional can install a mitigation system to lower the radon level.

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that could be present in dangerous levels in the home. Radon is released from rock or soil, seeps into homes through foundation cracks, and can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors.

Radon preventive actions have saved an estimated 6,000 lives from radon-induced lung cancer in the last 20 years. EPA is encouraging people to participate in National Radon Action Month by helping raise awareness about radon risk in their community. By doing so, they will be joining in the Radon Leaders Saving Lives campaign, a coalition of EPA, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and radon professionals dedicated to doubling the lives saved from radon exposure over the next five years.

For information on how to get your home tested or to build your new home so it is radon resistant, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon