Protect Your Home and Family from Radon

DALLAS - (Jan. 11, 2016) Radon-the silent killer-is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. The E.P.A. encourages Americans around the country to test their homes for this naturally occurring radioactive gas. Winter is an especially good time to test because windows and doors are closed and families tend to spend more time inside where radon can be trapped.

"Radon-a serious health threat to our families and communities-can be easily avoided through testing," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "Testing for radon will save thousands of lives, prevent burdensome health care costs, and make America's homes and schools safer for future generations."

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. Testing is the only way to know if a home has elevated levels of radon.

Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are 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 can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/radon.

In Nov. 2015, EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and 9 national non-governmental organizations launched the National Radon Action Plan. Find out more about this partnership and radon reduction efforts at: http://www.epa.gov/radon/federal-radon-action-plan.

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://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central

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