News Release (HQ): Federal Agencies Join Efforts to Reduce Radon Exposure / Radon exposure is the leading cause of non-smoking lung cancer

CONTACT:
Stacy Kika
kika.stacy@epa.gov
202-564-0906
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2011


Federal Agencies Join Efforts to Reduce Radon Exposure

Radon exposure is the leading cause of non-smoking lung cancer

WASHINGTON – January is National Radon Action Month and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and eight other federal agencies are announcing a new effort to strengthen the fight against radon exposure. Radon exposure is the leading cause of non-smoking lung cancer. Senior leaders from the federal agencies are pledging to work together to create a national risk reduction plan for radon that will help save lives and create safer, healthier homes for all Americans.

“Radon is a serious public health threat that leads to more than 21,000 deaths each year,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “This new federal partnership will help Americans reduce their risk of radon exposure.” 

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. By taking simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if necessary, this health hazard can be avoided.

If your home hasn't been tested for radon in the past two years, EPA 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.

The 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.

At the end of January, the federal consortium will meet with key leaders in the public health, environmental and private sectors to begin shaping a national action plan that includes both immediate and long-term steps to reduce radon exposure.

More information on the joint federal initiative to reduce radon exposure: http://www.epa.gov/radon/federal_summit.html

More information on radon and testing your home: http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html

To find your state radon office: http://www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html

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