Protect Your Family from Lung Cancer Caused by Radon

DALLAS - (Jan. 15, 2014) One in 15 homes is affected by elevated radon levels, so this month the E.P.A. is encouraging Americans around the country to test their homes for this naturally occurring radioactive gas.

"Radon is a dangerous health threat to our families and communities that can be easily avoided through simple testing," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "Take action this month and test your home."

E.P.A. recommends 4 easy steps to protect your home from radon during cold winter months: First, learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit. Secondly, learn more about your state's radon plan and local radon activities. Next, encourage others to learn more about radon and test their homes. Lastly, buy a radon-resistant home by looking for builders who use radon-resistant construction.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Each year about 21,000 Americans die from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. Testing is the only way to know if a home has elevated levels of radon.

Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are also accessible online, at many home improvement and hardware stores, or you can hire a qualified radon professional. More information on how to test, obtain a test kit, contact your state radon office, and find a qualified radon professional at http://www.epa.gov/radon.

Connect with E.P.A. Region 6:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
Activities in E.P.A. Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm

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