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National Radon Week: October 20 - 26, 2002

Release Date: 10/16/2002
Contact Information:
303-312-6031,

Release Date: 10/16/2002
Contact Information:
303-312-6024,

Release Date: 10/16/2002
Contact Information:
800-227-9960

Denver -- You don’t smoke, you watch what you eat and you’re in good shape. Yet, unknowingly, you may be at high-risk for getting lung cancer. The culprit may live with you, and its name is RADON.

A radioactive gas, radon is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. When you breathe air containing radon, you expose yourself to the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. EPA, the American Lung Association and the U.S. Surgeon General warn that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths per year.

EPA has designated October 20-26 as National Radon Action Week. During the week, both EPA and state health department radon offices will work to increase awareness of the dangers posed by radon. They also encourage homeowners to test their homes.

Radon is found in homes and buildings all over the United States. Yet, your greatest radiation exposure may come at home, because that is where you spend most of your time. Any home, regardless of age, can have a radon problem. Radon usually moves through the ground and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Once inside your home, radon can become trapped.

Dr. Richard Graham of EPA’s Region 8 Radiation and Indoor Air unit says radon levels vary throughout the country. “If you live in a part of the country with high radon levels, then the odds are greater that your house could have an indoor radon problem. Levels in the Rocky Mountain states tend to run higher because of the area’s geology.

If you plan to buy or sell a home, EPA recommends radon testing. In its free booklet the “HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS GUIDE TO RADON,” EPA describes:

• How to test for radon;
• What to do when buying or selling a new or existing home;
• What types of testing devices to use;
• How to interpret test results;
• How to fix radon problems.

Testing is the only way to determine radon levels. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are inexpensive, averaging about $10-20 including lab analysis. The kits are easy to use and involve only a small amount of time. Discount coupons are available from the National Safety Council or your local state health departments.

Test kits can be obtained through the mail, at some hardware stores, and from several health departments. If you prefer to hire a contractor, make sure they are listed with the National Environmental Health Association’s Radon Proficiency Program. State radon offices also have lists of qualified individuals.

For more information about radon, call the Radon Hotline (800-SOS-RADON). For publications, answers to questions or information about radon testing and reduction procedures, call EPA’s Radiation and Indoor Air Unit (800-227-8917) or e-mail at [email protected]. You may also contact your local state health department.