Federal government takes action on radon gas to prevent lung cancer deaths

Oct. 15-21 is Radon Awareness Week

[October 16, 2012]  Oct. 15-21 is Federal Radon Action Week according to the surgeon general. Health agencies throughout the United States have joined forces to promote awareness of the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. The American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute all agree that radon is a national health problem and encourage radon testing during the October awareness drive.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas. One in 15 American homes contains high levels of radon. Millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas. In fact, a recent study by Harvard University ranks radon as America’s No. 1 in-home hazard. By taking simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if necessary, this health hazard can be avoided.

Radon gas is not isolated to certain geographical areas or home types. Radon problems have been detected in homes in every county of the U.S. It caused more American fatalities last year than carbon monoxide, fires and handguns combined.

If a home hasn't been tested for radon in the past two years, the Environmental Protection Agency and the surgeon general urge you to take action. Contact your state radon office for information on locating qualified test kits or qualified radon testers.

A federal commitment made by EPA, the General Services Administration, and the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Veterans Affairs will focus efforts on radon reduction and mitigation in homes, especially those of low-income families, many of whom do not have the resources to make the simple fixes necessary to protect their homes and loved ones.

Earlier this year, the federal consortium met with key leaders in the public health, environmental and private sectors to launch the federal action plan, which includes both immediate and long-term steps to reduce radon exposure.

Learn more about the Federal Radon Action Plan at http://www.epa.gov/radon/action_plan.html.

Learn more at www.radonplan.org.

[Text from file received]